WATCH: USC Five-Star Plus+ WR commit Zachariah Branch jukes defender on touchdown reception
Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Zachariah Branch is one of the most dynamic players in the 2023 cycle. The USC commit demonstrated why on Friday night against Henderson (Nev.) Foothill.
After Branch reeled in a long reception from his quarterback, he had a defender close to him. But instead of being tackled, the 5-foot-10, 176 pound wideout juked him en route to a touchdown reception.
Branch is the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player from Nevada.
He later added a second touchdown on another long catch.
The five-star committed to the Trojans on Dec. 24, 2021 and is currently the second-highest-ranked prospect in USC’s 2023 recruiting class behind Los Alamitos (Calif.) Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Malachi Nelson, the No. 3 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus. Branch earned On3 MVP honors at the Under Armour Future 50 event earlier this summer.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Jake Paul tops Mike Tyson
Netflix fight ends in Paul victory
- 2New
Nico Iamaleava update
UT QB status revealed vs. Georgia
- 3
Nick Saban
Coach regrets leaving LSU
- 4
Gruden talks Tennessee
Ex-NFL coach addresses past rumors
- 5
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
“Zachariah Branch was an easy choice for On3 MVP honors at Under Armour Future 50,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote. “The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder was the most electric offensive skill player on hand by a wide margin. Branch was constantly open in both 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7 play and served up the biggest individual moments of the event.”
Branch has an On3 NIL Valuation of $433K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.
For more USC recruiting intel, check out WeAreSC.
Zachariah Branch On3 Scouting Summary
The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Zachariah Branch:
“One of the more dynamic receiver prospects in the nation, regardless of class. Built like a traditional slot wide receiver at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds. An elite track athlete with a 10.33 second 100 meter mark and a 24 foot long jump as a sophomore. Is able to harness that speed on the football field with his high-end change of direction. Creates big plays as a deep threat and after the catch. Very difficult for defenders to tackle in space.
“A fluid mover with route-running and true wide receiver skills in addition to the considerable athleticism. Shows good ball skills with the ability to track and make extended catches in traffic. Plays at powerhouse Bishop Gorman and was a standout performer in four games against national competition in addition to the state title game. Looks like one of the best sub 5-foot-11 wide receiver prospects in several cycles.”