Irmo's Jaiden Bryant is emerging as one of 2027's top pass rushers, and the Gamecocks are officially in early. The Irmo Yellow Jackets are once again loaded with talent and headlining that group is elite Class of 2027 defensive end Jaiden Bryant. After a breakout season as a sophomore which saw him rack up 21 sacks and 92 tackles, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound pass rusher has found himself as one of the most feared edge defenders in the country. And the South Carolina Gamecocks are already in a strong position to recruit him.
Bryant has a unique blend of length, speed, and explosiveness of the ball. That combination has earned him offers from programs like Florida, LSU, Michigan, Miami, FSU, North Carolina, and Clemson just to name a few. But it seems to be the Gamecocks that have built a strong relationship with him so far. “Me and South Carolina, we’re real tight,” Bryant said per The State. “Coach [Sterling] Lucas is always checking in. He likes my size and intensity. He calls me a dog every time he sees me. He says I’m fast and quick and match the defense perfectly.”
Bryant compared himself to former five-star and current Gamecock defensive end Dylan Stewart, especially when standing up in a hybrid edge role. “I’ve got these long arms, so they can’t really touch me. These long arms, matching my speed, it’s just dangerous. I best compare myself to Dylan Stewart (of South Carolina), especially when I stand up. We’re both quick off the ball. We’re not long making our move, and we’ll get to the quarterback, really put fear in the quarterback.”
Bryant plans to attend home games this fall, including matchups against Alabama and Clemson. While he says it's still too early to lock in one program, South Carolina seems to be the current leader. Florida, LSU, and Clemson are also heavily involved, and Bryant has visited the upstate earlier this year.
Bryant is also not the only elite talent on Irmo's roster. Fellow 2027 prospect Nate Carson, a6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive tackle, has been battling Bryant in practice every day. “I’ll say I get the better of it,” Bryant joked. “But Nate’s a complete dog too. If he can go toe-to-toe with me, he can compete with anybody in South Carolina.” And the idea of the two of them together in college is there too. “We’ve talked about it,” Bryant said. “We’ve talked about the pipeline a couple of times. We’re just going to see where life takes us. If it takes us to the same place, it’s God doing his work.”