Zachariah Branch reveals what Tyreek Hill told him on the sidelines in Week 2
Zachariah Branch is learning from the best. During USC‘s 56-10 win over Stanford on Saturday, the Trojans wideout got a chance to talk with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the sideline. After the game, Branch revealed Hill’s message.
“I talked to him a little bit on the sideline,” Branch said. “He was like, ‘Man, keep going crazy.’ He was over there, turnt up. It was good to see him out here supporting.”
It’s easy to understand Hill’s excitement. Branch was electric in USC’s Week 2 triumph. His performance was highlighted by an electric 75-yard punt return to extend USC’s lead over the Cardinal to 35-0 early in the second quarter.
Branch also added four receptions for 30 yards to the outing. After just three games, Branch boasts four touchdowns, two of which are from the return game. Branch also returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against San Jose State in his collegiate debut.
Pac-12 Network color commentator Yogi Roth compared Branch’s outstanding talent to USC legend Reggie Bush.
“I mean, look, it’s going to sound like big praise, but we haven’t seen a guy do something like that on special teams since No. 5 was here,” Roth said during Saturday’s broadcast. “And everyone listening knows who No. 5 was. Zachariah Branch has a big career to see what he can do. But that speed, that vision, that confidence that young, that’s what Reggie was doing as a true freshman.”
Zachariah Branch earns praise from other places
Hill isn’t the only NFL star who has motivated Branch this season. After rattling off 232 all-purpose yards against San Jose State, Branch claims Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reached out to him.
“[Beckham] just said just keep it up, keep going,” Branch said. “I was like, it’s crazy he actually responded because I had DM’d him before, like, a couple months ago. Way before. I was like, I don’t think he’s going to respond. But it was actually pretty cool for him to show that love.”
More love is on the way for Branch. As only a freshman, Branch is an impact player for the Trojans. Riley claims Branch earned every snap out there.
“I haven’t done it much, but once guys play, that’s part of it,” Riley said after USC’s Week 0 victory. “It’s not freshmen, it’s not seniors in there, it’s just USC football players. I felt like he earned it, made an impact on offense, made an impact on special teams.”