WATCH: USC freshman Zion Branch visits Five-Star Plus+ Trojans commit Zachariah Branch ahead of big showdown
One of the biggest high school football games of the 2022 calendar is happening Friday night between the No. 6 ranked Bishop Gorman Gaels (Las Vegas, Nevada) and the No. 2 Mater Dei Monarchs (Santa Ana, Calif.). It’s the third meeting since 2017 between the two high school powerhouses. Bishop Gorman features five-star plus receiver Zachariah Branch.
According to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2023 cycle, Branch is rated as the No. 4 player in America and once you turn on his highlight tape it’s easy to see why. He’s currently committed to the USC Trojans and on Friday night, his brother, USC freshman defensive back Zion Branch decided to visit him ahead of one of the biggest showdowns of the season.
Zion Branch also suited up for Bishop Gorman in high school. According to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2022 cycle, he was rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 7 safety prospect in America. The gifted defensive back made the 2021 PrepStar Dream Team after he racked up 42 tackles and seven deflections his senior year for Bishop Gorman, en route to leading the Gaels to the 2021 Class 5A state championship. He’s expected to compete for a defensive back spot this fall with the Trojans. Branch suffered a lower extremity injury during summer workouts at USC.
The Branch brothers have football in their bloodlines as their great uncle is the late Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Cliff Branch.
Zachariah Branch is known for his earth-shattering speed and acceleration in the open field, and he blew away On3’s recruiting experts this summer at IMG Academy at the Under Armour Future 50 event, walking away with MVP honors. An elite track athlete, Branch clocked a 10.33 second 100-meter dash and posted a long jump of over 24 feet as a sophomore. He’s displayed eye-popping athleticism in numerous videos this summer, too, catching a football while doing a standing backflip with ease.
For a full scouting report of the electrifying wideout, check out the report below from On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power.
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Zachariah Branch Scouting Summary
“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 the 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.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings