Zion Branch explains why he committed to USC, 'impact' role he expects to fill

Zion Branch took his recruitment to the finish line of the early signing period. But in the end, he capped it off with a commitment to the program that has seen its stock rise faster recently than any other in the country.

Branch, the No. 50 overall player and No. 5 safety in the Class of 2022, signed with USC on Wednesday afternoon.

Nevada’s top-ranked player out of Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, Branch chose USC over Ohio State and Oklahoma.

Branch had been one of USC’s top-of-the-board targets for more than a year. But with the Trojans’ program in disarray, Branch had held off on a decision, and Ohio State began to emerge as the favorite to land him.

But Lincoln Riley’s hiring during the last weekend of November began an instant 180-degree turnaround that has seen USC become arguably the most rejuvenated college program in the country.

Strong comfort, relationships with USC staff

Branch could feel the vibes from three hours away in his Las Vegas home. Then he got to see and experience it firsthand over the past weekend when he took an official visit to see the program under the new regime. It was during that visit when Branch – who gave On3 an exclusive interview about his upcoming commitment to USC earlier this week – knew it was the right place for him.

“Coach Riley’s building a lot over there, man, and I really believe in that program with what Coach Riley’s aspirations and goals are for that program,” Branch said. “I really believe in that program, what they’re doing with their new staff and what their staff’s goals are for USC’s change.”

The charisma of Riley and the excitement he immediately brought to the West Coast are what USC needed, and Branch felt that during his visit.

“[Riley] brought the juice to L.A.,” Branch said. “He has a really good personality. Every time we meet with him and I talked with him, he’s always comfortable to be around. He’s always given us a great outlet on his program and stuff like that.

“[That visit] really just gave me a better understanding on what USC has to offer.”

Zion Branch anticipates ‘impact’ role

Recruiting is all about comfort and relationships. Both of those were at the core of Branch’s decision. But it’s not as if that comfort level came together at the last minute.

Riley and USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch heavily recruited Branch when they were at Oklahoma. And Trojans interim coach Donte Williams, who had been recruiting Branch longer than almost any other coach in the country, is expected to be retained by Riley. So the comfort and familiarity already were cemented.

Also cemented was the role Branch is expected to have when he enters the program. Coaches believe the 6-foot-3, 198-pound four-star prospect has the talent to become a standout free safety, and the plan is to use him all over the field. USC coaches believe he has the potential to hit the same ceiling as Jordan Fuller, a former Ohio State star now enjoying a lot of success as a starter with the Los Angeles Rams.

“They really expect me to come in there and make an impact on their defense,” Branch said. “They see me playing that safety role, coming in there and making an impact.

“Coach Grinch, coming from Ohio State, he actually compared me to Jordan Fuller – with how much range he has and how much size he has. And he was saying with how intelligent Fuller is that I really remind him of [Fuller] the most.”

Branch excited for new opportunity

Zion Branch was thorough in his recruiting process. But, ultimately, he landed in the spot he believes is the best for him and is thrilled with what lies ahead.

“I’m really glad to say that I made this decision and I’m comfortable with my decision,” Branch said. “I’m just really blessed to be in this situation, man. It’s been a long process, but I’m excited.”