As a true freshman in 2023, Zachariah Branch became a household name by becoming a threat to score every time he touched the ball on a punt or kick return. Branch returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against San Jose State. Two weeks later he housed a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal. He became USC’s first freshman to receive All-America honors, with several selectors including him as either a kick or punt returner. Branch finished the season as the 2023 national statistical leader for punt return yardage per attempt (20.8).
He added 31 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 10.3 yards per catch. On the ground he rushed for 70 yards on 9 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per carry and a touchdown.
This puts him in special company, via media notes provided by USC Athletics:
“He is the first Trojan since Adoree’ Jackson in 2016 to have a punt return and kickoff return for a TD, as well as at least one receiving TD in the same season. Jackson had 2 punt returns and 2 kickoff returns for TDs and 1 TD reception during the 2016 season. Since 1971 (when records are available) Branch is one of just 3 USC players to accomplish the feat, joining Jackson and Curtis Conway (1992 – 1 kickoff return TD, 1 punt return TD, 5 rec TDs).“
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