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Emerging Branch's relationship with Purdue is growing

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•01/26/23•

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Ahrmad Branch
Ahrmad Branch

The Purdue-Arhmad Branch relationship has blossomed quickly.

The lithe athlete from Festus, Mo., located about 35 minutes south of St. Louis, received a visit from Boilermaker head coach Ryan Walters and wideout coach Cory Patterson last Friday. An offer followed for the Class of 2023 product, who could sign on February 1.

“They gave me an offer as an athlete, not just a receiver,” said Branch, who also runs back kicks. Branch also has offers from the likes of Tennessee-Martin, Pittsburg State and Lindenwood.

The 6-1, 170-pound Branch has freakish athletic ability. He runs a 4.4 40-yard dash, but it’s his leaping ability that’s stupefying.

“A couple of weeks ago, it was 41 (inches),” said Branch. “But I feel right now it’s probably a 42 or 43.”

He uses that leaping ability to star as a triple-jumper on the Festus track team. Branch is currently playing basketball for Festus, which has almost 1,000 students.

Branch is slated to visit Purdue on Friday, arriving after his hoops game that night. His coach at Festus is A.J. Ofodile, a former Missouri tight end who also worked at his alma mater with several current Purdue staffers. Ofodile tipped off the Boilermaker staff about the overlooked Branch.

Branch is one of several recruits from the St. Louis area to receiver offers from Purdue. Others are WR Jeremiah McClellan, WR Ryan Wingo, S LeonTre Bradford and WR Dierre Hill. It’s a commitment to the Gateway City that hasn’t been made by Purdue since the Joe Tiller era. Patterson has deep ties to the St. Louis area, where he was head coach at now defunct Trinity Catholic High, which was a power house program that produced D-I talent. And Walters hit the area as an assistant at Missouri and Illinois.

“It means a lot (for Purdue to come into St. Louis) because we are finally getting some notice,” said Branch. “We have been producing some with guys like Luther Burden and Kevin Coleman.”

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