USC Football: Freshman Wide Receiver Emerging As Legit Threat

Zachariah Branch is becoming a highlight machine.

Zachariah Branch is quickly becoming an elite offensive and special teams weapon for the USC Trojans.

With four touchdowns through his first three games, Branch's speed and field vision have separated him from virtually any other player in college football this season.

After returning a kickoff for a touchdown against San Jose State — his first time taking a kickoff since eighth grade — Branch returned a punt for a 75-yard touchdown.

"I just saw it off the foot of the punter and I looked down to see how much space I had between the defenders and the ball. I saw a lot of room and I took it up the middle, the blockers did a great job and the rest is history," Branch said.

(Via

USC Athletics

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Head Coach Lincoln Riley also emphasized the blockers' role in both Branch's touchdown returns.

"[Branch] deserves a lot of credit for but I'll tell you what also deserves a lot of credit is how we've blocked on those plays," Riley said. "It's been a real group effort."

(Via

USC Athletics

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Branch, who said NFL star receiver Tyreek Hill was hyped after his punt return, is part of one of the best wide receiver corps in the country. With Brenden Rice, Dorian Singer, Mario Williams, and Tahj Washington, there is no shortage of elite options for quarterback Caleb Williams. Branch adds a different dimension to an already-dynamic passing game.

Branch is averaging 12.2 yards per reception and has two touchdown receptions. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and it is starting to become clear as to why.

The Trojans have a bye week before heading to Tempe to face off against Arizona State on September 23rd.