LOS ANGELES —Move over, superhero! USC Freshman wide receiver extraordinaire, Zachariah Branch, is taking the college football world by storm with his electrifying moves and mind-blowing returns. Brace yourselves, folks, because this dynamic USC player is on fire!
In a jaw-dropping display of talent, Branch snagged the prestigious Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week award. It’s like winning the lottery, but with way more touchdowns and way less cash involved. This USC speedster is making waves and leaving the competition in awe.
Last Trojan To Win This Award
Remember that time when USC had a Player of the Week winner? Well, it’s been a hot minute. We have to rewind to Week 5 of 2021 to find kicker Parker Lewis, who earned this honor. But wait, there’s more! The last time a Trojan took home this title for kick returns was back in the ancient days of 2017 when Michael Pittman Jr. graced us with his awe-inspiring skills.
Branch’s latest masterpiece was unleashed upon Stanford, where he uncorked a 75-yard punt return TD. That’s right, folks — seventy-five glorious yards of evading defenders, turning on the turbo, and leaping into the end zone like a gazelle on a sugar rush. And that’s not all! He also managed to rack up 4 receptions for a solid 30 yards and even had a cheeky little carry for a couple of yards. The man can do it all!
Oh, did I mention that this wasn’t his first rodeo? Nope, not at all. Branch kicked off the season with a bang, delighting the masses with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against San Jose State. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, world, watch this!” But wait, there’s more! He’s already scored two more touchdowns this season with some nifty receptions. It’s almost like he’s juggling touchdowns like it’s no biggie.
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But here’s the real kicker (pun intended). Since dear old 1971, only two other USC players can lay claim to this rare trifecta of punt returns, kickoff returns, and receiving touchdowns. It’s an exclusive club, my friends, and Branch just crashed the party alongside the likes of Adoree’ Jackson and Curtis Conway. Legends in the making, indeed!
If you think his highlight reel ends there, think again. This gridiron magician has piled up 9 receptions for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with a couple of carries for some sneaky yardage. Oh, and did I mention his kick returns and punt returns? Buckle up, because he’s rocked 3 kick returns for an impressive 125 yards (including that ludicrous 96-yard TD return) and 7 punt returns for a whopping 158 yards (with that show-stopping 75-yard TD return). It’s like he’s playing a different game, and we’re all just trying to keep up.
With stats like these, Branch is sitting pretty at the top of the charts. He’s the reigning king of combined kick returns with a jaw-dropping 283 yards. And let’s not forget his crowning achievement: being tied for No. 1 in the nation for kickoff returns for touchdowns. In fact, his impressive punt return TD has also earned him a cozy spot at the top of the leaderboard. Not to mention that he’s dancing his way to a solid No. 5 in the nation for punt returns and No. 8 (No. 1 in the Pac-12!) for total touchdowns with 4. We might as well crown him the Sultan of Scoring!
So, folks, get ready for a wild ride as Zachariah Branch continues to dazzle, leaving us all in awe of his otherworldly skills. The world of college football won’t know what hit it. And opponents? Well, they better start practicing their best disappearing acts because you can bet Branch will leave them in the dust.