Zachariah Branch

1/20/23

Zachariah Branch electric in Polynesian Bowl

Charles Power•

Zachariah Branch showed off his electric playmaking ability in the Polynesian Bowl, taking a slant and knifing through the secondary for a long touchdown. By now, it would be an upset if Zachariah Branch did not have a show-stealing performance in an all-star setting. The No. 5 overall prospect and On3’s top-ranked wide receiver in the cycle continues to showcase his game-breaking ability at every opportunity. Branch’s skill level and ability to harness his elite speed as a route-runner and after the catch makes for one of the more dangerous pass-catchers we’ve seen in recent cycles. He is as close to a sure thing in the cycle and we’d be surprised if he’s not a star and ultimately a high draft pick at USC.

1/17/23

Zachariah Branch named On3 MVP at Under Armour All-America week

Charles Power•

Zachariah Branch showed why he’s considered to be the most electric prospect in the 2023 cycle. The Five-Star Plus+ prospect was electric on every touch over the course of the week – and particularly during the game. Branch was dynamic as a returner during Tuesday’s game, taking one punt to the house from 92-yards out and picking up a long gain on another. The Las Vegas native took limited reps over the course of the week but was virtually unguardable in the smaller sample size. His burst, change of direction, route-running and top-end speed are elite. No player was more impressive on a per touch basis. Branch has the look of an instant contributor at the college level. The USC signee ranks as the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver in the On300.

7/16/22

Zachariah Branch earns On3 MVP honors after dominant showing at Under Armour Future 50

Charles Power•

Zachariah Branch was an easy choice for On3 MVP honors at Under Armour Future 50. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder was the most electric offensive skill player on hand by a wide margin. Branch was constantly open in both 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7 play and served up the biggest individual moments of the event. We saw him win deep in 1-on-1’s on multiple occasions. The USC commit followed that up with what was likely the most impressive individual play of the afternoon session. Branch separated on a deep crossing route and brought in a one-handed catch without breaking stride en route to a long touchdown.

Branch kept defensive backs, including blue-chip corners, out of phase all day. His combination of verified elite long speed, cat-quick change of direction and plus ball skills result in a truly dynamic target who can win at all levels of the field. The Las Vegas Bishop Gorman standout entered Future 50 as On3’s top-ranked wide receiver in the 2023 cycle and more than looked the part.

2/28/22

Zachariah Branch rated as a 5-star prospect in overhauled On300

Charles Power•

The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder was arguably the most electric player in high school football during his junior season at powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas.Branch has shown a complete skill set at receiver. For starters, he is one of the best track athletes in the country. As a sophomore he set the Nevada state record with a wind-legal 10.33 second 100-meter time last spring. He also has personal bests of 21.01 seconds in the 200 meters and 24 feet in the long jump. That elite athleticism seamlessly transfers over to the field, where Branch is dynamic as a deep threat and in the open field. He’s not just a straight-line speedster – Branch’s change of direction and ability to create separation with his route-running is among the best in the cycle. He’s also shown plus ball skills. Branch finished his junior season at Bishop Gorman with 1,094 yards (22.7 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns on 48 receptions. He went for over 100 yards in Bishop Gorman’s four games against national opponents. It’s a lofty comparison, but we see a lot of Jaylen Waddle in Branch’s game.

2/20/22

Zacharian Branch is top performer Battle Vegas

Sam Spiegelman•National Recruiting Analyst

Branch was electric and the top performer overall at Battle Vegas. He was strategically placed at different spots on the field to create mismatches and delivered consistently. Branch has elite acceleration and is explosive in the short field or stretching the field. Throughout the tournament, Branch found holes in opposing defenses and was prolific with the ball in his hands. In the title game, Branch scored three times — twice on routes in the end zone and another time rushing. One of the more dominant 7v7 performances in recent memory.

11/12/21

Zachariah Branch looks dynamic in state semifinals

Charles Power•

Zachariah Branch put on a show in a state semifinal win over Henderson (Nev.) Liberty. On3’s No. 14 junior prospect opened the game with an electric 93-yard punt return. He followed that up with a 53-yard score on a deep route.

8/20/21

Zachariah Branch stands out in season opener

Charles Power•

Zachariah Branch was an easy standout in Bishop Gorman's opener against Honolulu St. Louis. The No. 13 prospect in On3’s 2023 Top 100, Branch brings elite athleticism to table. Branch is lightning in a bottle with the ball in his hands. He pairs of the best top-end speed nationally (10.33-second 100-meter time) with high-end balance, fluidity and well above average ball skills.