The NFL has long been referred to as a “copycat league”. With teams, coaches and co-ordinators trying to duplicate the past successes of their opponents. So when a player still in high school begins to receive the high praise of being compared to All-World receiver Tyreek Hill, we take notice. Such was the case with now USC freshman phenom Zachariah Branch.
Stoutly-built at 5’10” 175lbs, the physical comparison to Hill checks out. But once you dig into the game film, you really see where the similarities are.
An electric playmaker with elite speed and the ability to score any time he touches the ball, Branch is a rare breed as a true game breaker.
USC's Zachariah Branch high school highlight tape is exactly what you would expect.
Dude has always been a BIG-TIME PLAYMAKER! 🍿🍿🍿@zachariahb03 | @uscfb | @BishopGormanFB pic.twitter.com/fTCZmXJrz3
— Zack Poff (@Zack_Poff_MP) September 7, 2023
During his standout career at national powerhouse Bishop Gorman, Zachariah Branch put up a 48-1,094-14 receiving line, while adding two punt return touchdowns en route to a Nevada 5A state championship during his junior season.
Also a standout in track and field, Branch was regional champion in the 100m (10.33 seconds) and 200m (21.01 seconds) as a sophomore. This provides further evidence of his elite athleticism and yet another similarity to the aforementioned Hill.
Only four games into his collegiate career, Branch has already flashed that game breaking ability.
USC WR Zachariah Branch is the only FBS player with:
—a receiving TD
—punt return TD
—kickoff return TD this season
—Cliff Branch's great nephew looking like Reggie Bush out there
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) September 26, 2023
It’s also a positive sign of his development that Branch has been in the regular rotation at receiver for the Trojans this early in his career.
USC has Championship aspirations, lead by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. The fact they’ve made a point of involving Branch early on speaks to his immense potential.
But the freshman isn’t just an athlete. He’s more than held his own in all facets of the game. He’s already performing well alongside the established veterans of the USC receiver room.
Another similarity between Branch and Hill is their ability in the return game. Special Teams abilities are always a benefit to young players and Devy prospects. Any advantage to playing time is a good thing. And when you provide the type of momentum-shifting abilities that Branch and Hill do, you should expect to see more of it.
Branch already has two return touchdowns in his first four games as a Trojan. He’s already among the elite punt returners in the nation, averaging an absurd 22.6 yards per return.
Zachariah Branch should be a household name
— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) September 26, 2023
The biggest discrepancy in their profiles is that Hill had to go the junior college route after one season at Oklahoma State. He became the ultimate outlier when it comes to predicting NFL success as a 5th round draft pick.
Branch’s outlook as a prospect is much more traditional. Coming in as a 5⭐️ recruit and the number one receiver in his class, Branch has sky high expectations. If he were to hit those expectations, he certainly would be a much more sought after prospect than Hill.
With an impressive start to his college career, Branch is certainly on his way to gaining the attention of the NFL. He should already firmly be on the radar of Devy players. He looks to also be a name dynasty fantasy football players should file away for the future.
