DONE DEAL: Huge boost for Hokies as Brent pry confirm blockbuster commitment for Top Talented 5-Star. QB

Irmo High School quarterback AJ Brand has solidified his commitment to Virginia Tech, officially signing with the Hokies during the early signing period on Wednesday. Despite persistent efforts from South Carolina to sway him, Brand stayed true to his decision. “I considered South Carolina, but Virginia Tech showed me where I wanted to be,” Brand said at his high school signing ceremony. “They believed in me throughout the process—Coach Tyler Bowen, Coach Brian Crist, and Coach Brent Prye really stood out.”

Brand committed to Virginia Tech on June 23, choosing the Hokies over the Gamecocks. The following day, Westside High’s Cutter Woods committed to South Carolina. Undeterred, the Gamecocks continued pursuing Brand, initially offering him as a defensive back before shifting focus to quarterback recruitment. Brand attended an official visit to South Carolina in May and several fall games with teammate Donovan Murph, a receiver also recruited by the Gamecocks. The effort persisted until this past weekend, with Gamecocks’ coach Shane Beamer calling Brand after their victory over Clemson.

“Coach Beamer worked hard to keep the best in-state players at home,” Brand noted. “Ultimately, my mind was made up—I belong at Virginia Tech.” His father, Irmo coach Aaron Brand, supported his son’s autonomy, though he acknowledged South Carolina made a compelling case. Seeing Hokie-colored balloons for the ceremony confirmed the commitment was firm. “AJ’s loyalty was never in doubt,” he remarked.

During the signing, AJ’s parents, Aaron and Patrice Brand, reflected on his journey, recounting memories of his early days as a ball boy and expressing pride in his accomplishments. Coach Brand described the day as particularly emotional, having supported his son’s football pursuits for 17 years.

Ranked as a three-star recruit and South Carolina’s No. 19 prospect by 247Sports Composite, Brand has excelled as a dual-threat quarterback. This season, he has amassed 2,358 passing yards, 1,647 rushing yards, and 49 touchdowns, contributing to Irmo’s potential second consecutive state championship appearance. His career totals include 11,265 yards and 143 touchdowns, all school records. Irmo faces White Knoll on Friday for a spot in the Class 5A Division II state championship.

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