USC Trojans star wide receiver and return specialist, Zachariah Branch, has just added another accolade to his impressive resume by being named to the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List. The prestigious award, presented by David McDermott Lexus of New Haven, is the fourth-oldest individual accolade in college football.
Branch’s name is also found on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s top talents.
USC Trojans WR Zachariah Branch Named To Walter Camp Watch List
This summer, he earned recognition from multiple outlets, including the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason All-American First Team and Phil Steele Preseason All-American First Team as a punt returner. His versatility and skill were also acknowledged on several All-Big Ten teams, including Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten First Team (kick returner and punt returner), Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First Team (punt returner), Pick Six Previews All-Big Ten Second Team (wide receiver), Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team (wide receiver), and Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team (kick returner and wide receiver).
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As a sophomore in 2024, Branch is poised to be a dynamic force for USC, both as a wide receiver and a special teams returner. Head Coach Lincoln Riley told reporters at Big Ten Media Day that he wants to get Branch much more involved in the offense and that his skill set can really help them win football games.
His freshman year in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, making him USC’s first true freshman to be named a First Team All-American. He earned spots on USA Today’s, PFF’s, and Sporting News’ First Team All-American lists as a returner and was the only freshman named to the Walter Camp All-American Second Team and the FWAA All-American Second Team.
During his debut season, Branch recorded 31 catches for 320 yards and two touchdowns, along with 70 rushing yards and one touchdown.
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As a return specialist, he amassed 442 kickoff return yards, including a 96-yard touchdown, and 332 punt return yards, including a 75-yard touchdown. He played in 11 games, starting nine, and became the first Trojan since Adoree’ Jackson in 2016 to score touchdowns on both a punt return and a kickoff return, in addition to a receiving touchdown in the same season.
Looking ahead, the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List will be narrowed down to 10 semifinalists in early November, with three finalists announced on November 26. The winner, determined by votes from the 133 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be revealed on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on December 12.
Original press release posted on USCTrojans.com.