Jaiden Bryant is a trending 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end from Irmo High School in Columbia, SC who has starred with standout seasons under "Midlands Friday Night Lights" in 2024.
The physical, speedy pass-rusher has been churning and burning during his first two seasons on the Yellow Jackets' varsity.
In 2023, he had 23 solo tackles, 44 overall tackles, and 10 sacks in just nine games. He recorded 4.5 tackles per game. Not bad for a freshman.
But Bryant's numbers went completely through the roof in 2024. he lived in the backfield of Palmetto State offenses this fall, recording 94.5 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks. Bryant averaged about seven tackles per game.
To put it simply, Jaiden already suggests prototypical size and elite traits for a prospect at the position from an early age. And his stat sheet only further proves this as his young, early recruitment continues to grow.
Bryant's efforts recently earned him an offer from Penn State on Dec. 19.
He spoke with Palmetto Preps co-owner Lee Wardlaw in an exclusive to talk about the Nittany Lions tendering him a full ride to 'Happy Valley.' Here is everything he had to say: "My reaction to the offer is that I am just so proud of myself. I have to stay humble. I didn't how much the offer means, and I still really don't. It really hasn't hit me yet that what I had been dreaming about as a kid is happening to me right now. I'm just grateful, and this is just the beginning of my journey," Bryant said.
And the program which he is part of needs no introduction.
Irmo High School has produced potential future NFL talent, electric 4-star Class of 2025 wide receiver Donovan Murph. He committed to South Carolina over Clemson on Jan. 2. Murph or Class of 2025 4-star Jordon Gidron could end up claiming the title of 'best receiver to ever come from Columbia. They will do so as teammates. The two will pair up for the Gamecocks starting next season. Carolina's ability to keep both at home was huge on the high school national recruiting circles.
Nick Emmanwori, a 6-foot-3, 227-pounder and NFL prospect at defensive back, also hails from Irmo. USC found a diamond in the rough in Emmanwori, who's only other offers were Charlotte, Georgia Southern, and Richmond back in 2022.
The Yellow Jackets have also produced Oklahoma State running back Jaden-Allen Hendrix, along with A.J. Brand, an athletic, dual-threat quarterback who is committed to Virginia Tech for the Class of 2025.
Carolina is also tracking Bryant's progress. He was on campus to watch 4-star Dylan Stewart and the Gamecocks' dangerous defensive line group get to work for games against Akron and LSU. He was also at USC for their spring game and for a practice on March 22. Alabama, Florida, and N.C. State were among the other programs he has visited with or camped with in 2024.
Bryant has also heard of offers from big-name Power Four programs Florida State and Virginia Tech, along with Miami of Ohio from the Group of Five.
Stay tuned with PalmettoPreps for the latest and greatest things on Jaiden Bryant's recruitment. Watch his film below.
