March On Campus: Irmo Yellow Jackets
In this article:
After reaching just the second round of the Class 4A playoffs three straight years, head coach Aaron Brand is ready to hit the gas on the championship run in Year 4. “We do have an impressive team coming back, but…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAfter reaching just the second round of the Class 4A playoffs three straight years, head coach Aaron Brand is ready to hit the gas on the championship run in Year 4.
“We do have an impressive team coming back, but this is kind of what we’ve waited on,” he said. “When we first moved down here four years ago, this was the undefeated middle school group. The group that’s coming up that”s going to be seniors now. So, we’re super-excited about it.”
The rising senior class includes 11 starters, four of whom will take part at the Palmetto Combine Series on April 1 at York High School. Among the seniors already receiving attention is Gilbert transfer running back/linebacker Jaden Allen-Hendrix Jaden Allen-Hendrix 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Irmo | 2024 State SC . At 6-3 and 230 pounds, Allen-Hendrix reportedly chose the Yellow Jackets over crosstown rival and defending Class 5A champion Dutch Fork and is expected to compliment dual threat junior quarterback AJ Brand AJ Brand 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Irmo | 2025 State SC .
“He’s now an Irmo Yellow Jacket and we couldn’t be prouder and we couldn’t be happier,” the elder Brand said. “The things he brings to the table as far as the running downhill ability, the pass-catching, he’s got soft hands. He’s got quick, light feet and he is an aggressive defender whether he’s rushing the passer or dropping in coverage. So, we’re looking to do a lot of good things with him.”
Speaking of the younger Brand, he’s coming off a successful season playing point guard for the Class 4A champion boys’ basketball team. Playing under coaching legend Tim Whipple was a “great experience” and it taught him how to play through adversity.
The elder Brand acknowledges placing “internal pressure” on his team while playing up what he sees as lesser expectations from the public.
“There’s not a lot of external pressure because nobody still believes Irmo can get it done,” he said. “There’s no more Bob Hanna. No more guys like that. There’s just little ol’ me and my little staff and we’re trying to get it going. We made some good hires in the off-season (Raymond Jennings is the new defensive coordinator), moved some people around and we think we’re ready to go.”
An All-State linebacker, the 215-pound Favor led the Yellow Jackets with 117 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, five sacks and two fumble recoveries last season. A vocal leader on defense, Favor takes pride in knowing when to call plays and getting teammate set in the right position. He also keeps underclassmen focused inside the building by showing them how to be “coachable”. During the off-season, Favor has consistently lifted 300 lbs. in the weight room. Among his goals for the upcoming season is getting faster and improving his upper body strength to fight off guards.
Last season, the 230-pound senior rushed for 1,610 yards and a team-high 26 touchdowns in helping Gilbert High School win the Region 5-3A title last season. He’s now the second player in three years to transfer from the Lexington County school to the Yellow Jackets, having chosen them over crosstown rival and defending Class 5A champion Dutch Fork.
“I like it a lot,” Allen-Hendrix said. “Coach Brand brought me in. Feels like family over here. Every day I’m bonding with these guys. I love it.”
Described by his new head coach Aaron Brand as a “bruiser with soft hands and light feet”, Allen-Hendrix should expect to display further versatility both running and catching the football and getting utilized more on defense at the linebacker position.
Coastal Carolina and North Carolina-Central have expressed interest in Allen-Hendrix. He’s currently bench pressing 265 pounds and squatting between 300 and 400 lbs.
The heart and soul of the Irmo offense, the 6’2, 196-pound rising junior enters his second year as a starter brimming with confidence. He completed 100-174 passes for 1,682 yards and 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions and rushed for 722 yards and 10 touchdowns. He combines elusiveness with a strong build which makes it difficult for defenders to bring him down. In the off-season, Brand started 31 games at point guard for Irmo boys basketball coach Tim Whipple and helped the Yellow Jackets win the Class 4A state title. Excelling under a coaching legend like Whipple demonstrated Brand’s willingness to take instruction and take a supportive role on a team led by the Class 4A Player of the Year. Brand expects his play as the “floor general” will only enhance his field vision and ability to read defenses. Despite Brand’s success in one sport, he declined to play baseball this year. Head coach and father Aaron Brand said shortening his son’s throwing release was a priority and did not want it affected by having him play in the outfield where long throws are often required. Along with working with a passing coach in Charlotte, N.C., Brand has worked in the weight room. He’s currently bench pressing 285 pounds and squatting 425.
Caleb Alexander Caleb Alexander 6'0" | 180 lbs | TE Irmo | 2024 State SC
Caleb Alexander Caleb Alexander 6'0" | 180 lbs | TE Irmo | 2024 State SC
An All-Region selection, the 6’1, 200-pound Alexander is an ideal fit in head coach Aaron Brand’s two tight end offense. HIs physical play, pass-catching ability and team-first attitude makes him a “do it all chess piece that will fit in any system”. He finished with 28 receptions for 402 yards and five touchdowns, but had two 100-plus receiving yard games against Ridge View and Westwood. He’s currently bench pressing 295 lbs., clean lifting 305 points and squatting 425 points. He’s a team-first player who seems as comfortable opening running holes and protecting the quarterback as he is catching the football.
Bryant Hamm
Bryant Hamm
Described as a “physical, two-way road grader with elite strength”, the 250-pound senior started at center last season where he played a role in quarterback A.J. Brand’s offensive success. He exhibited toughness in also playing at defensive tackle. His willingness to play heavy minutes on both sides of the football personifies the “team first” attitude taken this season by Irmo players. Head coach Aaron Brand has praised his work ethic in the weight room and
Elijah Williams
Elijah Williams
At 6’5 and 266 pounds and possessing a wingspan of seven feet, Williams has already attracted interest from South Carolina State University. His long, athletic frame belies a strong, physical frame which has made him an effective pass blocker in pushing away defenders at the tackle position. He has performed well in some of the Yellow Jackets’ biggest games the past two seasons and is part of a cohesive offensive line which has helped dual threat quarterbacks Izayah Whiteside and A.J. Brand find success in Brand’s offensive scheme. During the off-season, Williams has increased his strength level where’s he’s able to bench press 300 lbs. and squat 400 pounds.
Isaiah McClary Isaiah McClary 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Irmo | 2024 State SC
Isaiah McClary Isaiah McClary 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Irmo | 2024 State SC
With track and field speed and a slender build, the 175-pound McClary is a “ball hawk” on both sides of the football. He amassed 70 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, five sacks and two interceptions from the safety position was also utilized at his former wide receiver position. McClary is a “high energy” player whose long reach enables him to defend passes in his direction. Along with his athletic ability, McClary is a student of the game who uses his “High football IQ” from playing both sides of the football for on-field success. He currently competes in the 4×100 meter relay and 100 meters which helps his on-field speed and stamina.
Given the title of Irmo’s fastest player by defensive back Isaiah McClary Isaiah McClary 6’1″ | 175 lbs | DB Irmo | 2024 State SC . At 5’9, 175 pounds, Smith is determined to play a full season for the Yellow Jackets. He missed three games last season due to injury, yet still finished with 53 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Along with staying healthy, Smith has worked diligently on his route running, pass blocking and playmaking ability. Head coach Aaron Brand calls him a clutch pass catcher with great strength and burst. He’s been timed running a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and has developed a strong rapport with quarterback AJ Brand AJ Brand 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Irmo | 2025 State SC since middle school.