Penn State picks up commitment from 2025 4-star defensive back Antonio Branch
Penn State football has picked up another four-star defender in the Class of 2025. Miami, Fla., Booker T. Washington defensive back Antonio Branch committed to the Nittany Lions on Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior-to-be made his choice after officially visiting head coach James Franklin’s program May 31-June 2. He said on social media that he “had a blast” on his trip and canceled an official to Florida earlier this month. Louisville and Nebraska were his two other finalist. Branch is ranked as a cornerback but projects as a safety in State College.
“What stands out for them is the relationship I have with them,” Branch said following his Penn State official visit. “Me and Coach Seider send each other reels all day and are cracking up, so yeah, that’s my guy. Me and Coach Pointdexter are on the phone every week. I actually got to meet his family this weekend, so that was great.”
BWI publisher Sean Fitz wrote June 18 that Penn State led for Branch coming out of his official visit while logging an On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine pick in favor of the Nittany Lions. A day later, the cornerback became the team’s second commitment of the week, as four-star New Jersey cornerback Jamir Joseph picked the Lions on Monday.
BWI recruiting insider Ryan Snyder wrote Tuesday morning that Branch was one of seven prospects to watch for a commitment. With that in, who are the others? See the full list here.
What is Penn State getting in Branch?
BWI film analyst Thomas Frank Carr offered an advanced scout of Branch to subscribers earlier this month.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
“Some schools might see Antonio Branch as a cornerback because of his thinner build at free safety,” Carr writes. “But if Anthony Poindexter thinks the 6-2 defensive back can fill out into a Penn State safety, it’s hard to argue. His track record has been excellent.”
Join Blue-White Illustrated today!
BWI subscribers knew of Branch’s love for the Lions before his commitment happened. Want to join them?
Blue-White Illustrated provides just what passionate Penn State fans expect: Market-leading coverage of Nittany Lions athletics and recruiting.
Join the best Penn State fan community and receive all the benefits that come with it:
- Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love from the experts that you trust.
- Immediate access to any Nittany Lions breaking news.
- Exclusive insider reports and year-round team info as well as board Q&A’s with the BWI staff.
- Film-room discussion to take you inside the game.
- High-level discourse with the most passionate and informed Nittany Lions fans across multiple board forums.
- Market-leading team analysis for those who are looking to increase their understanding of the ins and outs of Penn State football and athletics.
- An industry-leading mobile app that sends the latest news right to your phone.
- So much more!
