Tag: Zachariah Branch

USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch joined an elite group in 2023

Zachariah Branch needs to continue to be a high-impact player on kick returns, while improving as a receiver.

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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Lincoln Riley challenges Zachariah Branch to be more than a special teams weapon

Lincoln Riley sent a clear message to Zachariah Branch.

On the USC football team, sophomore receiver Zachariah Branch stands out as a rare talent who captivates college football fans with every touch of the ball. Last year, Branch made history by becoming USC’s first true freshman to earn All-America honors, showcasing his exceptional abilities as both a punt and kick returner. He led all punt returners in the nation in 2023 with 20.8 yards per return.

During the recent Big Ten media days event, USC head coach Lincoln Riley reflected on Branch’s impressive freshman campaign, highlighting his potential for even greater achievements in the upcoming season.

“Zachariah Branch had really an exciting freshman year for us. He’s an explosive player. Even when you’re used to being on the college football field and really talented players are somewhat the norm, he’s a little bit different in the way he moves and also his strength. He had a great year for us last year, especially as a returner. [He] was one of the most dominant returners in the country, if not the most.”

Riley is now ready for Branch to step up as a sophomore and become the receiving threat he was at Bishop Gorman High School before joining the Trojans.

“Yeah, we’ve really challenged him this year to become a bigger part and a more consistent part of our offense. That is really going to be part of his evolution. He had some really good moments for us offensively last year, but he wasn’t as impactful as he was on special teams. And certainly, I think he’s growing as a receiver, as a ball carrier, understanding offenses, understanding route running, understanding defenses, how we’re trying to attack people. There’s just a maturity and a growth process that we’ve really pushed him on, and I think he’s handled it well.  We’ve got a really talented group of receivers there that got a chance to showcase their skills in the bowl game”

The talented, young wide receivers Riley referred to: Duce Robinson, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Makai Lemon, who joined USC’s 2023 recruiting class alongside Branch. Last season, Branch tallied 31 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns. Riley and Trojan fans are optimistic that wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons can facilitate a sophomore leap, a common phenomenon among elite talents. Branch adding wide receiver to his All-American pedigree would significantly aid first-year starting quarterback Miller Moss and the Trojan offense in their first year in the Big Ten.

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Zachariah Branch discusses the past and present of USC football

Zachariah Branch has come a long way, and yet he has so far to go to reach his potential at USC.

USC football wide receiver and return man Zachariah Branch joins former NFL tight end Adam Breneman on the latest episode of Next Up.

In this exclusive interview, Zachariah Branch reflects on his All-America season with USC last year and explains what USC fans can expect from Lincoln Riley’s offense in 2024 with new starting quarterback Miller Moss leading the way.

Zachariah Branch also talks about playing alongside Caleb Williams, his brother Zion who plays safety at USC, his recruiting process, why he ultimately chose USC, his “welcome to college football” moment and much more.

Zachariah Branch needs to become a more precise route-runner as a receiver this season. If he can make strides in terms of cuts, breaks, and angles to use the geometry of the field to his advantage, he will make things a lot easier for Miller Moss this season. USC will have a chance to develop a dynamic passing game one year after the departure of Caleb Williams. USC’s passing game will need to be strong in the season opener against LSU, given the uncertainties the Tigers face in their secondary.

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Zachariah Branch nominated to AFCA Good Works Team

Zachariah Branch’s community outreach is recognized.

USC sophomore wide receiver and First Team All-American Zachariah Branch has been named as a nominee to the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The nominees are selected based on their performance on the field, in the classroom and in their community.

Zachariah and his brother Zion (who is a redshirt sophomore safety on the USC football team) created the “Branch Out Foundation” in 2023. The foundation is “dedicated to the support of youth initiatives including homelessness, after-school programs, health and wellness, as well as other charitable causes.” The foundation focuses on assisting the communities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where the Branch family is from.

Branch led the nation in punt returns this past season, averaging 20.8 yards per return. He finished No. 3 in combined punt and kickoff return yards, with 774. Branch also returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns.

He also collected 31 catches for 320 yards (10.3 avg.) with a long of 36 yards and scored 2 TDs. Branch also rushed for 70 yards on 9 carries (7.8 avg.)

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their good works off the field. This year’s 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

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Zachariah Branch named to Walter Camp Preseason All-America Team

Zachariah Branch is getting ample preseason publicity.

USC football sophomore Zachariah Branch was recently selected as the Walter Camp All-America Team’s first-team kick returner for the 2024 preseason. He was a 2023 second-team selection as a kick returner following his freshman season.

Branch led the nation in punt returns this past season, averaging 20.8 yards per return. He finished No. 3 in combined punt and kickoff return yards, with 774. Branch also returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns.

He also collected 31 catches for 320 yards (10.3 avg.) with a long of 36 yards and scored 2 TDs. Branch also rushed for 70 yards on 9 carries (7.8 avg.)

The USC freshman phenom was also recently named one of the most exciting players to watch in all of college football this upcoming season.

USC needs Branch to shine in all aspects of competition this season. USC will need some kick returns to shorten fields and take some of the burden off quarterback Miller Moss and the offense. When Branch plays wide receiver, Moss will need Branch to evolve as a route runner and provide the precision the Trojans will be counting on in their passing attack. Branch’s evolution is something which can significantly raise the ceiling for USC this season, increasing our sense of what is possible for this team.

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Where EA Sports’ new football video game ranks USC will shock you

EA Sports undersold USC’s offense.

On July 19, 2024, EA Sports will finally unveil College Football 25, the highly anticipated college football video game. While it is not surprising that USC’s potent offense has secured a spot in the Top 25 rankings, their placement at No. 25 raises some eyebrows.

EA SPORTS explained its metrics.

“The Development Team meticulously examined hundreds of thousands of data points to arrive at our team power rankings. With help from our friends at Pro Football Focus (PFF), the team analyzed all 134 rosters, thousands of players, years worth of game film, and mountains of stats, ultimately arriving at our Team Power Rankings.”

Lincoln Riley has never had a offense that ranked below No. 3 in total offense while he has been at USC and he has averaged 41 points in both seasons.  This pattern continues back to his head coaching days at Oklahoma where his teams averaged 43.29 points per game.  In nine years of head coaching, Riley’ teams have never finished worse than eighth in total offense and only scored less that 40 points once (2021 – 39 points per game).

USC does lose its Heisman-winning quarterback, Caleb Williams, who was selected as the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.  However, Miller Moss is coming off his debut in the Holiday Bowl, which displayed his capability of running Riley’s highly successful offense. Moss threw for 372 yards and six touchdowns in a 42-28 victory.  Part of Moss’ success was throwing to an elite freshman class of blue-chip receivers: Zachariah Branch, Jacobi Lane, Duce Robinson and Makai Lemon, who will light up the Big Ten in the fall.

This is also Year 3 of an offensive line overhaul that may produce the most talented and cohesive unit yet at USC under Riley, anchored by Elijah Page and Jonah Monheim.  Running behind that line will be Woody Marks, the all- time leader in receptions at Mississippi State and No. 5 all time in the SEC.  Marks will compete with a young group of highly ranked running backs out of Texas which includes Quinten Joyner, A’Marion Peterson, and Bryan Jackson.

Teams that are ranked ahead of the Trojans are also replacing quarterbacks; more than a couple of them are replacing offensive coordinators.  Unless there is a huge break from an overwhelming trend for Lincoln Riley’s offenses, the staff over at EA Sports really missed the mark with this power ranking.

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USC’s Branch brothers launch nonprofit with charity golf fundraiser

Zachariah Branch and Zion Branch give back to the Southern California community.

USC football released a note which should make Trojan fans proud to support the program. Zachariah and Zion Branch are giving back to the community. They have ambitious goals, too, as they launch a nonprofit with a golf fundraiser as part of their philanthropic aims.

“The Branch Out Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by USC football players Zachariah and Zion Branch, will host its inaugural event, the Branch Out Topgolf Classic, on July 14 at Topgolf El Segundo,” the release began. “The Branch Out Foundation is dedicated to leading with a servant heart to support youth initiatives including homelessness, after-school programs, health and wellness and other charitable causes.”

Zion and Zachariah Branch are as excited about this event as they are about the 2024 USC football season. It’s great to see:

“We are thrilled to launch The Branch Out Foundation with our first event, the Branch Out Topgolf Classic,” said Zion Branch, a redshirt sophomore safety for USC. “We look forward to bringing people together for a day of fun and philanthropy.”

“Our parents raised Zion and I to have a heart for giving back to those who are less fortunate than us,” said Zachariah Branch, a 2023 First Team All-American who is a sophomore wide receiver. “We recognize how blessed we are, and how important it is to make a positive impact in our community.”

All donations made at the Topgolf Classic will be used to support a local charity.

If you want to attend on Sunday, July 14, visit Topgolf El Segundo at 400 Pacific Coast Hwy, El Segundo, CA — zip code 90245

Schedule:
2:00 p.m. – Reception and Silent Auction
3:00 p.m. – Branch Out Topgolf Classic
4:30 p.m. – Awards

To purchase an event ticket or request more information, please contact:

● Breland Cook – breland@branchoutfoundation.org
● Troy White – troy@branchoutfoundation.org

On the web: https://www.branchoutfoundation.org/

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Zachariah Branch is staying busy in a pivotal year at USC

Zachariah Branch has a lot to learn about marrying athleticism with precision in 2024.

USC Trojans wide receiver and return specialist Zachariah Branch is a busy man. As you might have heard, he chose to join the USC track and field team this season.

The freshman from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High School was a bonafide superstar in 2023 when healthy. He had 29 receptions for 311 yards and 2 TDs during the season. He also rushed for 70 yards on 8 carries with 1 TD.

Branch is USC’s first-ever true freshman First Team All-American. He was also named to the USA TODAY All-American First Team as a kick returner.

Additionally, he was named a Sports Illustrated Second Team All-American as a kick returner, a CBS Sports Honorable Mention All-American as a wide receiver/punt returner, a College Football News Honorable Mention Freshman All-American as a wide receiver, the College Football Network Freshman Specialist of the Year as a punt returner, and a College Football Network Freshman All-American.

Branch’s big goal for 2024 on the football field: Channel his athleticism and upside into the flow of games and the structure of Lincoln Riley’s offense. If Branch can significantly evolve as a route-runner, USC’s wide receiver group could really take off and approach the standard set by Jordan Addison and others in 2022.

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Offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu makes True Freshman All-American team

Offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu makes True Freshman All-American team from 247Sports.

Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu was named to the True Freshman All-American team by 247Sports.

Laloulu has played in all 13 games this season. At 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds, he became an integral part of the Ducks’ new offensive line in 2023.

He was rated a four-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and in the 247Sports composite and ranked as a top-150 player nationally by Rivals (No. 126), a top-300 prospect by ESPN (No. 296) and a top-350 recruit in the 247Sports composite. Laloulu was also the No. 1 player at his position in Hawaii and he came into Eugene as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman, according to 247Sports and in the 247Sports composite as well as the top-ranked guard prospect in the state by ESPN and Rivals.

According to writer Chris Hummer of 247Sports.com:

Laloulu didn’t start a game for the Ducks this season, but he was consistently excellent in his many opportunities to play. Laloulu still managed to play 348 snaps as a swing interior lineman, spending time at right guard, left guard and center. Laloulu allowed a single pressure all season and also was a big part of what was the nation’s No. 3 rushing offense in terms of yards per play. He’ll be readying for a starting gig in 2024 as the Ducks reload at quarterback.

Offensive lineman Spencer Fano of Utah and kick returner Zachariah Branch of USC also made the list from the Pac-12.

Zachariah Branch has a chance to make a big impression in the Holiday Bowl

Zachariah Branch has a lot to prove against Louisville.

Zachariah Branch is just getting started. The freshman star at USC recorded 29 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season. He also rushed for 70 yards on 8 carries with 1 TD.

Branch is also one of the nation’s most electric returners. Against Stanford on Sept. 9, he returned a punt for a 75-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also had a 96-yard kickoff return for a score versus San Jose State on Aug. 26. He is the first Trojan since Adoree’ Jackson in 2016 to have a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown, as well as at least one receiving TD, in the same season. Jackson had two punt returns and two kickoff returns for TDs and one touchdown reception in the 2016 season.

Branch finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation in punt returns (20.6), No. 2 in the nation in combined kick returns (751) and punt return TDs (1), and No. 6 in the nation in kickoff return TDs (1).

Branch was named to the USA TODAY All-America First Team as a returner and the PFF All-America First Team as a return specialist. He is USC’s first-ever true freshman First Team All-American.

Next stop: San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. Zachariah Branch can make a statement heading into a very important offseason for him and the Trojans.

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