USC's Zion Branch Reveals Lessons Learned From Trojans Legend Taylor Mays

USC redshirt sophomore safety Zion Branch stepped in during the Trojans' 38-21 win over the Wisconsin Badgers. He credited USC defensive coach, Taylor Mays, for helping him fill in for the Trojans.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans safety Zion Branch (8) against California Golden Bears tight end Jack Endries (87) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

It's been a long traveled road for USC Trojans defensive back Zion Branch. He had suffered a season-ending knee injury in his true freshman season and sparingly contributed on defense and special teams last year.

After going through a procedure in the spring, Branch has had a slower start to the season then he probably would have liked to. But he hasn't let that deter his everyday mindset.

"Control what I could control, go out here and go to work every day. It's really nothing to me, it's what I do, it's what I'm used to doing," Branch said. "(I) just go out here, go to work everyday and control what I can control."

Branch said his relationship with assistant defensive backs coach Taylor Mays is one of the biggest tools he uses.

"T-Mays, I meet with him probably out of all the coaches. He teaches me a lot, on and off the field about what to do, where to be at. I definitely feel like he's a great person in the room for us."

Mays racked up over 240 tackles and five interceptions as he finished as a consensus All-American at USC in 2008 and was a second round pick in the 2010 NFL draft.

"Knowing he played here, knowing the things he did, it means a lot. So I take a lot and hold a lot from him." Branch added.

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive back Calen Bullock (7) and defensive back Zion Branch (8) react following the loss against the Utah Utes in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After starting safety Akili Arnold got injured in the loss to Michigan, Branch got an extended look during in the Trojans' 38-21 win over the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, Sept. 28. He had chipped in two tackles during the win as he played during crucial defensive drives throughout the game. Despite being listed as a second-stringer, Branch said he always stays ready despite the lack of playing time.

"Just saying the course, that's what my coaches tell me, stay the course. Everything is gonna work out how it do...I was ready for the moment."

Branch said he was happy with the way he performed during the win.

"I feel like I did good, had some good talks with my coaches. You know, there's always room for improvement, but you know I feel like I did good," he admitted.

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans and Wisconsin Badgers at the line of scrimmage in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC defense has been rolling to start the season as the Trojans have allowed 16 points per game through four games. That includes three Power 4 offenses in LSU, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

They will have a tough task as the Trojans head to Minnesota on Saturday Oct. 5. If Arnold isn't able to go against the Gophers, Branch should be in line for more significant playing time.

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