Football Player Profile: Donovan Branch, Defensive End
Donovan Branch
Defensive End
6'2" 234-Pounds
Winter Garden, FL
Foundation Academy
Evaluation:
A high motor player who brings vast intensity and a tenacious demeanor. Branch possesses an explosive first step, great strength and is relentless in pursuit. He’s able to convert speed-to-power and usually tends to blow by most one-on-one matchups. The Florida native certainly commands pre-snap attention, as opposing quarterbacks need to account for where he is lined up on the field. A reliable open-field tackler, Branch tends to utilize a three-point stance on most plays and is always attacking; he understands how to disengage, shed and make the tackle when grappling in the trenches. Branch is constantly disrupting the backfield and when he doesn’t capture his prey, he still creates havoc and causes off-platform throws by the quarterback, which often-times results in poor throws or interceptions. He was not asked to drop back in coverage much, it remains to be seen if he will be asked to do so by the Huskies coaching staff. He projects as a pass-rusher, with the versatility to play in a hybrid scheme with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge. With such a well-built frame and sturdy overall thickness, Branch appears physically ready to contribute from day one, if the coaching staff chooses to let him loose as a true freshman.
Background:
Verbal re-commitment on 12/6. A previous commitment from the Randy Edsall era. Recruited by Dennis Dottin-Carter. Had offers from Iowa State, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Army, Navy, CMU and Middle Tennessee State. Branch finished his high school career playing for head coach Andre Walker at Foundation Academy in Florida. He registered 11.0 sacks, 56 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 11 games played as a senior, earning First Team All-Conference honors. A team captain and honor roll student. Father is Quentin Branch and mother is Dentra Branch. Officially committed to UConn on 12/15.
High School:
Branch finished his high school career playing for head coach Andre Walker at Foundation Academy in Florida … Branch finished his senior campaign with 11.0 sacks, 56 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 11 games played … A First Team All-Conference pick as a defensive end and team captain during his senior year.
Personal:
Father Quentin Branch and mother Dentra Branch … An honor roll student in high school.
Im coming home @UConnFootball @UConnHuskies @UConnCoachMora #uconn #committed pic.twitter.com/6tuq9iZwcI
— Donovan Branch (@DonovanBranch2) December 6, 2021
