Tennessee 5-star QB enrollee Nico Iamaleava finds USC Five-Star Plus+ WR enrollee Zachariah Branch for a touchdown
Long Beach (Calif.) Warren five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Zachariah Branch are two of the top players in the 2023 cycle. They have enrolled at Tennessee and USC, respectively.
During the second quarter of the Polynesian Bowl, Iamaleava found Branch down the field. He then weaved his way past multiple defenders for a touchdown.
Iamaleava is the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 5 quarterback in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 2 player in California.
On3 rates him higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, Iamaleava is the No. 1 overall prospect in the country.
For more Tennessee recruiting intel, check out Volquest.
Branch is the No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player from Nevada
For more USC recruiting intel, check out WeAreSC.
Zachariah Branch and Nico Iamaleava On3 Scouting Summaries
The following are the On3 Scouting Summaries for Zachariah Branch and Nico Iamaleava:
Branch: “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.”
Iamaleava: “High-upside signal caller who has the best physical tools among quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle as a high school prospect. Has one of the strongest arms in the cycle, generating considerable velocity on his throws in camp settings and on Friday nights. Tall with a slender build at round 6-foot-6, 195 pounds with a 10-inch hand. Has considerable room to fill out. Boasts a whippy throwing motion despite his longer arms. Effortlessly drives the ball downfield while targeting vertical routes. One of the better 7-on-7 quarterbacks we’ve seen in several cycles, highlighted by a dominant showing at Overtime’s OT7 event.
“A bouncy, fluid mover who doubles as a national-level volleyball player. Uses his twitchy athleticism to evade pass rushers and pick up yards on the ground. Still developing in terms of some technical aspects of the game. Plays in a high school offense that is heavily skewed towards quick passes and screens. Can continue to improve his overall consistency. Competitive player who embraces physicality and contact as a runner. Has done a very good job taking care of the football with just seven interceptions in three varsity varsity seasons. Will need to add polish at the college level but has immense physical upside.”