Donovan Murph stood in front of Irmo High School’s auditorium, speaking with the confidence of someone running for office. As he addressed the crowd following the February signing day ceremony, one photographer remarked to another, “Media trained.” Murph spoke for nearly 10 minutes about his decision to sign with South Carolina, detailing his recruiting process and envisioning USC’s future.
“I think we can have an Ohio State-type receiving corps,” he said, all while sporting two flashy diamond chains and expensive shoes. If you didn’t know his story, you’d think he was an NFL rookie. But when Murph spoke on stage, he also thanked his grandmother, saying, “Now I’ve got my license, so I’m moving different.” Yes, he’s just started driving.
In fact, his head coach, Aaron Brand, thought Murph was still 16, until his father corrected him, saying Murph had turned 17 on October 1. The signing event came a year early because Murph, ranked as a top 25 receiver nationally and the third-best player in South Carolina, reclassified to join the Class of 2025, a decision made in October.
“It was really just a family decision,” Murph explained. “The coaches felt I was ready, and when I made the decision, South Carolina stood by me. They said it didn’t matter whether I came in ’25 or ’26.” Coach Brand, who knew Murph well, agreed with the move. With Irmo’s quarterback, AJ Brand (his son), graduating, the coach figured Murph wouldn’t want to adjust to a new high school quarterback.
Over two years with Brand, Murph caught 153 passes for over 2,400 yards and 29 touchdowns. His grades and strong family support made taking on the academic challenge of early graduation feasible. On top of that, Murph had already adopted a professional approach to taking care of his body, utilizing cryotherapy, chiropractic work, and yoga.
“It’s tough not to take that leap,” Brand said, referring to the financial opportunities for athletes today. “You never know what could happen with an injury, and Murph was doing everything right.” The reclassification sped up Murph’s recruitment, giving schools only two months to recruit him. It ultimately came down to South Carolina and Clemson, with Murph visiting both schools.
He had already committed to USC in October, just days after reclassifying, but kept it private until announcing his decision live during the Under Armour All-American Game in January. Throughout the process, Murph remained active on social media, even playfully leading Clemson fans to believe they were leading his recruitment.
Murph’s commitment to USC was solidified when he told head coach Shane Beamer, “This is the place I wanna be.” Brand, who’s seen Murph’s skills firsthand, is confident in his future. “Don’s gonna get it,” he said. “If it touches his hands, it’s like glue.” Murph’s belief in himself is clear. At just 17, with high school graduation still months away, he’s already focused on his future. “I want to be the greatest in college football,” Murph said. “I want to be the greatest in the NFL.”
