LSU adds former Louisiana standout Daran Branch to 2022 roster
Former Amite (La.) standout and Georgia transfer defensive back Daran Branch will enroll at LSU as a walk-on, sources told The Bengal Tiger. Branch left the Bulldogs prior to the beginning of the 2021 season before the Bulldogs won their National Championship.
During his time at Georgia, Branch appeared in just two games during the 2020 season, accumulating one tackle against Missouri. He’ll have four years of eligibility remaining and is returning to Louisiana over an offer from Mississippi State, a source said.
Daran Branch was a three-star prospect out of Amita, Louisiana, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He ranked as the No. 49 overall safety in the nation and No. 29 prospect in Louisiana. Kirby Smart beat out the likes of Miami, Ole Miss and others for the 6-2, 190-pound defensive back.
Branch helped lead Amite High to a 10-5 overall record and to the Class AA Semifinals as a senior. He was a part of the 15-win Warriors team that won a state championship in 2018.
Daran Branch becomes latest transfer addition to LSU
While he’s a walk-on, Branch is another in a huge line of transfers Brian Kelly’s staff added this offseason. The Tigers have multiple spots remaining on the roster as well, if the right transfer arises, thanks to the NCAA striking down the signing class limits.
Joining Branch as new members of the secondary include Oklahoma State defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Ohio State defensive back Sevyn Banks, Arkansas transfers Joe Foucha and Greg Brooks, and Louisiana’s Mekhi Williams-Garner.
On top of a remade secondary, Missouri defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, Virginia linebacker West Weeks and Oklahoma State linebacker Kolbe Fields join Matt House’s defense.
Penn State running back Noah Cain, Louisiana wideout Kyren Lacy, Florida International offensive lineman Miles Frazier, East Tennessee State offensive lineman Tre’Mond Shorts and Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels round out the offensive transfers.
LSU also added East Carolina long snapper Slade Roy and Notre Dame punter Jay Bramblett for special teams help. Daran Branch could factor in on special teams early on as well.
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