Zachariah Branch thankful to play beside brother Zion at USC

In Week 0, USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch played his first college game in the Trojans’ win over San Jose State. It was a huge moment for him but it was an even bigger moment because he got to share it with his brother, Zion Branch.

Zion is a defensive back on USC and this was the first game the two were able to play beside one another at USC. As Zachariah shared, he’s thankful for the opportunity to play next to his brother.

“Me and my brother have a great relationship,” Zachariah Branch said. “Growing up, always been super tight with him. That’s my best friend. So, just seeing him battle through adversity, those troubling times, I’m always in his corner. My parents are always in his corner.”

Last season, Zion Branch was unable to play because of a lower body injury. He’s healthy now, though, and played on the USC defense in the same game Zachariah made his college debut.

“Always in his corner. So, just to see him get back out there, actually said a prayer that’s something we do every game we’re on the same team. It was just fun to finally get back out there with him and do it. So, I’m definitely excited for what he can do this season.”

Branch also explained the traditional prayer he has with his brother.

“Just being faith led. So, me, my brother, my parents always taught us to pray before everything. So, me and my brother always went to the end zone, it doesn’t matter what spot,” Branch said. “But I was looking for him, like where was he at coming out of the tunnel. So, I made sure I made my way over there to him. That’s just a tradition. So, I mean, you’ve got to give God all the glory first.”

Joel Klatt compared Zachariah Branch to Tyreek Hill

After the San Jose State game, college football analyst Joel Klatt shared how impressed he was by Zachariah Branch, comparing him to Tyreek Hill.

“Mark my words: Lincoln Riley is going to have a field day with Zachariah Branch. This is the perfect type of player for a guy like Lincoln Riley. Lincoln Riley, a few years ago, got in 28 different formations in the first 30 snaps against Texas in the Red River Shootout, right? This is what he does. Jordan Addison in the backfield last year against UCLA on a wheel route. Like, he is going to create so many different issues for defenses with Zachariah Branch. This is going to be so fun to watch,” Klatt said.

“I have not seen a true freshman like this in a long time. This is like mini-Tyreek Hill on the college football field. This dude is lightning in a bottle. If he doesn’t score every game? I think it’s going to be a total upset because, every time his hands touch the ball, I was immediately holding my breath like, ‘What’s he gonna do?’”