Explosive USC Trojans Wideout Zachariah Branch Credits Dog For His Speed?

USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch is one of the fastest players in the country. Branch, who grew up in Las Vegas, has a lot of family and friends at tonight’s game. Who does he credit for the speed he has?

Sep 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) scores on a 50-yard punt return in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch gives his dog, Scooter, credit for his explosiveness and speed. Branch said to ESPN’s Holly Rowe that when he was growing up, “He would chase his shih tzu puppy around the house, and it would chase him. That’s where he got his speed from.”  

 Branch is starting his second year with the Trojans. Last season in his freshman year, he had 31 catches for 320 yards and 3 total touchdowns. Even with limited production, Branch still showed his high upside. He is looked at as a rising star in the USC program.

Aug 26, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the San Jose State Spartans during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Branch Makes Explosive Plays in the First Half

Zachariah Branch showed that speed multiple times in the first half. Following an LSU touchdown, Branch fielded the kickoff and ran it 46 yards to the LSU 43-yard line. This immediately took the momentum away from the Tigers.

Branch had a big catch on this drive to help get the Trojans in field goal range, where Michael Lantz booted through the 22-yarder to give USC a 10-7 lead. 

Through the first half, Branch had three catches for 47 yards. He is leading all USC skill position players in yards thus far. The Trojans will need some more magic from Branch if they want to leave Las Vegas with a win over LSU. 

USC is set to receive the 2nd half kickoff. We will see if LSU dares to kick it to him knowing he has already shown his breakaway speed on one return tonight. Shoutout to Scooter on that one.

MORE: Reggie Bush Sideline at USC vs. LSU: First Game Back Since Heisman Trophy Reinstated

MORE: [WATCH] USC Trojans Hype Video Ahead Of LSU Tigers Battle

MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: Top 2025 Commit's Impressive Performance

MORE: USC Football Recruiting: Trojans to Host Three High-Profile Recruits Sunday vs. LSU

MORE: How Jamil Muhammad Can Anchor USC Trojans Defense Against Aggressive LSU Tigers

MORE: Is USC Trojans Beefy Defense Ready For LSU Tigers? Coach Riley Reveals 'Differences'

MORE: Can USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss Pick Up Where Caleb Williams Left Off?