Tag: Zachariah Branch

Highlights, 2 standouts and 4 commitments from the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game

On Tuesday in Orlando over 100 of the top Senior football players from around the country played in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game.

On Tuesday in Orlando, over 100 of the top Senior football players from around the country played in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game.

The game was interesting not just because of the action on the field, but some notable recruiting news also happened while it was going on. Here are some highlights, two standouts and four notable commitments during the game.

Edgewater (Fla.) 5-star RB Cedric Baxter Jr.

This matchup was mostly a defensive slugfest, with Team Phantom beating out Team Speed 14-7. Nevertheless, a few offensive skill players did manage to stand out. The first of them to make an impression was Edgewater (Fla.) five-star running back Cedric Baxter Jr., who scored the first touchdown of the game by bouncing this 13-yard run outside and into the end zone.

Baxter is the composite ranking No. 1 running back in the class of 2023 and has signed his letter of intent with Texas.

Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 5-star WR/KR Zachariah Branch

The play of the day was this thrilling 93-yard punt return from Bishop Gorman (Nev.) wide receiver/kick returner Zachariah Branch.

Branch is ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in this class and was named MVP for his efforts. He has signed his letter of intent with USC.

Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold, Texas A&M DL David Hicks and unsigned Athlete Nyckoles Harbor were among the other players who drew recognition for their performance during the week leading up to the game.

In the recruiting department, four prospects made their college decisions:

Cy Ranch (Texas) 4-star DL Ashton Porter: Signed with Oregon

Porter (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) joins a strong 2023 class for the Ducks, which ranks just outside the top 10 in the country. He had offers from 33 other programs, including Michigan State, Northwestern and Texas.

St. Frances Academy (Md.) 3-star RB Durrell Robinson: Committed to Charlotte

Robinson (6-foot-0, 195 pounds) committed to the Charlotte 49ers. He is ranked No. 51 at his position and No. 12 overall in the state of Maryland. He had 22 offers, including one from the Terrapins.

IMG Academy (Fla.) 4-star EDGE Cameron Lenhardt: Signed with Nebraska

The biggest prize of the night went to the Cornhuskers in the form of Lenhardt (6-foot-3, 250 pounds), who is ranked No. 56 overall in Florida and No. 37 at his position. Lenhardt chose Nebraska over 16 other schools.

Roswell (Ga.) 3-star CB Ethan Nation: Signed with Nebraska

New head coach Matt Rhule got another recruiting win by signing Nation (5-foot-10, 165 pounds). Nation had a remarkable 50 other offers to choose from, including one from Alabama.

With these two on board, Nebraska’s 2023 recruiting class is now up to No. 31 in the country.

More recruiting stories

Texas A&M flips 4-star WR from Georgia

Basha’s 4-star QB commits to Ole Miss

USC commit Zachariah Branch selected as MVP at Under Armour All-America Game

#USC’s electric playmaker made a statement and is ready for 2023.

Team Phantom defeated Team Speed 14-7 in the Under Armour All-America Game on Tuesday night. MVP honors went to Zachariah Branch with his game-changing 93-yard punt return before the half. Branch, who finished with 152 all-purpose yards, was named Team Phantom MVP.

Branch, the Las Vegas native via Bishop Gorman High School and a USC commit, is ranked as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver, per 247Sports.com.

In addition to that big return in the Under Armour showcase, he also caught several passes on offense.

“It definitely was a great experience that will better me as a person and an athlete as well getting to compete with top guys before I go off to college later this week, so I’m excited,” Branch said.

Branch tallied 753 yards on 45 receptions with 11 TDs and recorded 5 punt returns for 90 yards (18.0 avg.)in 2022. Branch also had a total of 36 touchdowns in his high school career as a wide receiver at Bishop Gorman.

[mm-video type=video id=01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa playlist_id=none player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa-5f1ce800029f353b16aab280fdc8f9aa.jpg]

[listicle id=55126]

5-star WR Makai Lemon: outstanding individually, even better as part of a dynamic duo

Putting Lemon and Zach Branch together will create all sorts of opportunities for the #USC offense in 2023. Lincoln Riley can’t wait to work with Makai.

Makai Lemon is quite a prospect by himself, removed from any player comparisons or other contextual elements. Looking solely at Lemon and what he brings to the table, he comes across as a very impressive player.

The five-star receiver, a high school teammate of Malachi Nelson and the No. 13 prospect in the ESPN 300, has signed with the USC Trojans.

An electric playmaker in open space, the 6-foot-0, 182-pound pass-catcher is a threat to break a big one every time he touches the football. Many analysts believe he has the best route-running ability in the 2023 class.

Yet, as electric as Lemon is individually, what really has Lincoln Riley excited about the future at USC is the ability to team up with the other high-end wide receiver recruit in the 2023 class, Zachariah Branch.

Lemon is a handful for opposing secondaries in his own right, but putting him with Branch and letting both guys cook will enable USC’s already-potent passing game to become even more explosive.

Here’s what Riley said about Lemon and Branch as a duo:

In his career, Lemon doubled as a cornerback and wideout, but will be most likely used as a receiver in the high-powered USC offense.

Lemon had 234 career receptions for 3,646 yards and 41 touchdowns in three years at Los Alamitos (Calif). On defense he had 80 tackles, 18 pass breakups and 13 interceptions.

Lemon reminds me a lot of former Georgia Bulldog and current Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman.

[mm-video type=video id=01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa playlist_id=none player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa-5f1ce800029f353b16aab280fdc8f9aa.jpg]

[listicle id=54551]

Lincoln Riley praises 5-star receiver Zachariah Branch as new Trojans sign on the dotted line

Lincoln Riley sees a “unique” combination of athleticism and football IQ in Zachariah Branch. It’s a package of skills #USC fans are really excited about.

Zachariah Branch is one of the many USC Trojans who put pen to paper as the early signing period began on Wednesday. Branch is a star in two sports, running a 10.3 100-meter time in track – good enough to win the Nevada 5A regional championship. As a junior, Branch racked up 1,094 receiving yards and 14 TDs on just 48 receptions.

He’s the brother of former Bishop Gorman and USC four-star safety Zion Branch. Zachariah Branch has even drawn comparisons to NFL top receiver Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins.

Lincoln Riley was asked about Zachariah Branch in an early signing period news conference on Wednesday. Riley had a chance to give his first evaluations of USC players as newly-signed Trojans who are now officially part of the program and will participate in an eagerly-watched spring ball session a few months from now.

Riley’s response will certainly get USC fans excited:

His speed jumps out immediately, but what makes him special is his competitiveness. The 5’10- 172 pound receiver plays way bigger than his stature. I could see Branch getting a lot of snaps during the 2023 season as a true freshman.

USC is loaded at WR with Makai Lemon, Mario Williams, Tahj Washington, Brenden Rice, Michael Jackson III, CJ Williams and Dorian Singer, but expect Lincoln Riley to use all of the talented wideouts in an offense that will be potentially better than last season.

Malachi Nelson and Zachariah Branch make it official, leading the 2023 USC class

[mm-video type=video id=01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa playlist_id=none player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa-5f1ce800029f353b16aab280fdc8f9aa.jpg]

[listicle id=54551]

Malachi Nelson and Zachariah Branch make it official, leading the 2023 USC class

The #USC Trojans made it official by signing five-star WR Zachariah Branch and five-star QB Malachi Nelson.

The USC Trojans are making noise at the start of the early singing period. They’re signing big names in Lincoln Riley’s second run on the recruiting trail since coming to Southern California.

On Wednesday, the Trojans got some news they had been waiting for. Five-star receiver Zachariah Branch and five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson made it official and became part of the 2023 class. The future looks bright for the Trojans.

Nelson had visited Texas A&M over the summer, which sparked a ton of speculation, but he decided to go to USC and will be the backup to Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in 2023.

Branch joins his brother, Zion, at USC. The Nelson-Branch-Makai Lemon trio is the future of the USC offense.

Branch took to Twitter and showed his enthusiasm about joining a loaded squad.

The offense is looking even more dynamic just a couple of days after the Trojans landed Arizona transfer WR Dorian Singer.

Nelson is the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023, and he becomes the third such player USC has signed in the ESPN 300, along with Matt Leinart and Joe McKnight.

There will be plenty more activity throughout the next few days, weeks, and months. As long as Lincoln Riley is in town, this team will be competitive and pushing for a Pac-12 title — and more.

[mm-video type=video id=01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa playlist_id=none player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa-5f1ce800029f353b16aab280fdc8f9aa.jpg]

[listicle id=54551]

Future Trojan Zachariah Branch of Bishop Gorman debuts on All-America team

USC is definitely Branching out in recruiting.

Zachariah Branch of Bishop Gorman High School (Nevada) debuted on Max Preps’ First Team All-America roster for the 2022 season. The five-star prospect finished his junior season at Bishop Gorman with 1,094 yards (22.7 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns on 48 receptions.

The 2021 Max Preps Player of the Year in Nevada, in both football and track and field, had over 1,000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns while leading the powerhouse Bishop Gorman Gaels to their 18th state title in school history.

Branch is a monster addition to Lincoln Riley’s first full recruiting class in Los Angeles, which is quickly shaping up as one of the best in the nation. Branch is joined by future teammate Makai Lemon as a Max Preps First-Team All-American.

Fun fact: His brother Zion Branch, who is a freshman at USC, signed with the Trojans last season. He was a four-star recruit and the defensive player of the year in the state of Nevada.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz8sj88pxak7gd player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=46774]

Trojans commit Zachariah Branch debuts in 2023 SI 99 Rankings at No. 12

USC’s top-tier recruits continue to receive glowing evaluations, underscoring the Trojans’ potential as the Lincoln Riley era evolves.

Zachariah Branch is a 5-11, 170-pound slot receiver from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. He is one of the more dynamic pass catchers and athletes in the nation. Branch competed in the Nevada Southern 5A Regional Championship meet in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump as a sophomore. He ran a 10.33 100 and a wind-aided 21.01 200. He long jumped 24 feet and triple jumped 46-4.25.

The five-star prospect finished his junior season at Bishop Gorman with 1,094 yards (22.7 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns on 48 receptions, helping the Gaels win a state title.

Branch is ranked the top receiver in the 2023 class and comes in as No. 12 overall in the new SI99 rankings released Wednesday. 

As a reminder, SI ranks recruits based specifically on their collegiate potential. Points of emphasis will differ for each set of recruiting evaluations, so keep in mind what SI is using for its evaluations. Other outlets will use different formulas.

SI’s formula has focal points which include premium position prospects (quarterback, offensive tackle, pass rusher, defensive back), high-floor evaluations, and overall body of work with an emphasis on varsity game video.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz8sj88pxak7gd player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=46340]

Brent Venables recruiting philosophy is paying off for Oklahoma Sooners

In the midst of an incredible run on the recruiting trail in the 2023 cycle, it’s easy to see Brent Venables’ philosophy is paying off for the Okahoma Sooners.

If you haven’t seen it by now, the Oklahoma Sooners are red hot on the recruiting trail. It’s a far cry from the grave the national media and rival fans wanted to bury OU in during May.

Before June 1, the Sooners had four players committed to their 2023 recruiting class: [autotag]Joshua Bates[/autotag], [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], [autotag]Erik McCarty[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Spencer[/autotag]. On the surface, and according to some, the Sooners were struggling to recruit. Appearances can be deceiving.

The reality was that [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his coaching staff were playing the long game. Preaching patience to players who were interested in committing to Oklahoma and encouraging those prospects to finish their recruiting process before making a commitment.

The main message is, “know that you know that you know that you know.” Venables doesn’t want players making a commitment and then continuing to shop around. That’s what changed with [autotag]Ashton Cozart[/autotag] and that’s something [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag] is dealing with now as [autotag]Malachi Nelson[/autotag], [autotag]Makai Lemon[/autotag] and [autotag]Zachariah Branch[/autotag] (their top three 2023 commits) are visiting [autotag]Texas A&M[/autotag] this weekend after being committed to the Trojans for some time. Nelson and Lemon have been committed since Riley left for USC in November.

If a player that’s committed to a school is going on visits to another, they’re not committed. Committed individuals don’t look elsewhere. In their career, in their marriage, in their relationships or in college football.

For years, the idea of a commitment has been softened in college football. By coaches and by players. Coaches will be committed to a player and a program one day and find a better opportunity the next. A player considered a “hard commit” by a recruiting service can flip at a moment’s notice. Throw in the new world order of name, image and likeness, and nothing seems certain until a player is signed.

That’s why Venables is so passionate about his philosophy. He wants players to take their visits. He wants them to explore all of their options before they commit. He wants the players that commit to the University of Oklahoma to understand the true meaning of the word. Because when a player commits, Oklahoma is committing in turn.

Venables, his coaching staff, and the program are throwing the full weight of the University of Oklahoma’s resources behind the prospect’s development both as a person and as a player. And all they’re asking for is the same commitment in return.

A player that commits to the University of Oklahoma has had a chance to go through their process, explore all of their options, and have time to consider them. They aren’t making an emotional decision based on their visit. They’re making an informed one — that will impact their college and professional careers.

And it’s a process that’s paying off for the Oklahoma Sooners. The 18 players (and counting) that have committed to the Sooners are all in. They’ve seen what’s out there, taken their visits and decided Oklahoma was the best place for them. It makes it more likely a player will stick and sign with the Sooners.

The process hasn’t hindered OU one bit. Their 18 commits (and counting) have Oklahoma up to No. 6 in the team recruiting rankings with a chance to climb even higher with several blue-chip prospects still to decide.

Oklahoma has added 14 players since June 1 and nine players since July 1, including eight four-stars since June 15.

In the last six days, the Sooners have received commitments from four-star prospects [autotag]Jasiah Wagoner[/autotag] and [autotag]Derrick LeBlanc[/autotag].

The Sooners’ patience on the recruiting trail is putting them in a position to have one of the best classes the school has seen in the modern era of recruiting.

And to echo the sentiment from several 2023 commits, they aren’t done yet.

[listicle id=67997]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

The No. 1 player at each position for the 2023 recruiting class

Per 247Sports, these are the top players at each position for the 2023 cycle. Where are they headed?

The 2023 recruiting cycle has been one of the more exciting in recent memory. Continue reading “The No. 1 player at each position for the 2023 recruiting class”

Five-star 2023 Wide receiver Zachariah Branch visits Texas A&M

Five-star 2023 Wide receiver Zachariah Branch visits Texas A&M

Zachariah Branch, the No. 1 wide receiver, and the 6th overall recruit in the 2023 class, is currently verbally committed to USC, but took time over the weekend to visit the Aggies.  Branch’s visit sparked a frenzy of excitement from both the fan base and the recruiting world nationwide.

After committing to USC on December 24th, Branch took the usual “Official visit” to the program on June 16th, which looked to be his only official visit on the calendar for a while, until the Aggies swooped in, that is. Texas A&M offered Branch on May 20, 2021, and looked to be a long shot to nab the highly coveted wideout, but as we’ve stated time and time again, recruiting never stops, giving recruiting ace and wide receiver coach for the Aggies, Dameyune Craig the opportunity to make his pitch and let branch witness how incredible College Station, Texas truly is.

Yes, that is recruiting extraordinaire and current cornerback for Texas A&M, Bobby Taylor, who is officially known to have the magic touch in communicating and spreading the message that CSTAT is where it’s at with some of the top recruits in the 2022 class, now setting his sights on 2023 and beyond.

As a prospect, recruiting analyst for 247Sports Blair Angulo describes Zachariah Branch’s ability on the field:

Smaller, compact build with well-defined muscle tone. Strong lower half. Electric pass catcher with elite speed. Game-breaker in space with potential to score from anywhere. Not just a burner; displays amazing concentration and hand-eye coordination. Flashes ability to sneak through traffic and separate early in his routes. Constant nuisance on vertical routes. Flashes tremendous body control and short-area burst. Special teams ace. Could continue to add bulk and improve durability. Potential multi-year starter at elite Power Five level with Day 1 NFL Draft upside.

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship for Zachariah Branch and the Aggies, and be sure to keep checking back for updates regarding his recruiting status right here at Aggies Wire!

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=none image=https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty