New On3 5-star: USC WR commit Zachariah Branch

On3 is set to release an updated overhaul of the On300 for the 2023 cycle next week. Four prospects are set to add their fifth star in this rankings update.

This overhaul is annually one of the most comprehensive updates over the life of a recruiting cycle. With signing day and the 2022 cycle in the books, we’re now able to devote full attention to the class of 2023, with an emphasis on the pivotal junior season. This update also dovetails with a period on the recruiting calendar that sees dozens if not hundreds of new prospects emerge on FBS radars.

Zachariah Branch ofLas Vegas Bishop Gorman was already ranked as one of the nation’s best receivers. But now he’s ranked as a five-star recruit, according to On3.

Branch key commit for USC

Zachariah Branch, who is 5-foot-9 and 166 pounds, is already an early USC commitment. He picked the Trojans on Christmas Eve 2021 over a host of other top national programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Penn State, Oklahoma, and many, many others.

“USC was always making a big push for me and they have had my attention since early in my recruitment,” Branch told On3’s Chad Simmons when he committed. “I have visited five times. I am from California, and I love what USC can offer. It has history, tradition, and I can get a great degree from there.”

Zachariah Branch currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $30,000. 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. Branch ranks No. 171 in the High School Football NIL Rankings.

On3 scouting report on Zachariah Branch

“Zachariah Branch is 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 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.” — On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power.