Isaiah Hazel's Family Launches Foundation, Awards First Scholarship to Maryland Football Walk-On

Ahmed Ghafir
14 minutes ago
2 min read

Friday marked a day of memory for Maryland football after honoring former wide receiver and defensive back Isaiah Hazel.

Hazel, 24, was one of three who passed away in a car accident on July 6, 2024 with former Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson and Florida State cornerback AJ Lytton Jr. His parents, Aaron and Brenda Hazel, officially launched the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation in his honor alongside head coach Mike Locksley.

"Out of love for our son and the way he brought people together, we're turning our pain into purpose," said Hazel's mother, Brenda, via release. "Isaiah's joy and kindness impacted so many people, and we wanted to create something that continues helping others in his name."

Several of Hazel's former teammates including Rakim Jarrett, Ruben Hyppolite and Tommy Akingbesote were in attendance on Friday that also led to the foundation's first scholarship being announced. Defensive lineman Joshua Simmons was the recipient after being awarded a $2,000 check to help cover meal expenses through the school year.

Hazel appeared in 39 games during his four seasons in College Park where he registered a pair of pass deflections, one forced fumble as a freshman and 42 total tackles. Though he flipped sides of the ball early in his college career, the always cheerful and smiling Hazel made a name for himself as the next blue-chip prospect to come out of Wise High School during his junior season. Despite initially being committed to West Virginia, Hazel flipped to Maryland's class to anchor the 2019 class alongside current Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross and New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks.

"Isaiah was one of my first recruits at Maryland, and from the moment he arrived, you could feel the energy he brought to the program. What his family is building through this foundation is a powerful reflection of who Isaiah was, and we're proud to support their mission," said Locksley via release.

"Isaiah was the kind of person who wanted to help everybody," said Hazel's father, Aaron. "We are so grateful for Coach Locksley's and Maryland's support so we can further Isaiah's impact on others."

About the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation

The Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation provides scholarships and financial support to students facing financial barriers and learning differences. The foundation was founded in 2026 by Aaron and Brenda Hazel in honor of their son, former University of Maryland football player Isaiah Hazel, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2024 alongside his close friends Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton, Jr. In Hazel's name, the foundation works to expand educational opportunities and empower students to pursue their dreams. Learn more at isaiahleehazelfoundation.org.

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