30-Offer 4-Star 2022 FS/ATH Zion Branch Talks Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season was a big one for Class of 2022 free safety Zion Branch. Branch helped his Bishop Gorman squad to an end of season No. 2 ranking in the state of Nevada by putting an end to 29 plays, 26 the solo variety, with a fumble recovery, a blocked field goal, and five interceptions. Due to the action on the gridiron, the 6-3, 199-pound, defender has gone from a seven-offer talent at the end of the 2019 regular season to a highly coveted 30 offer four-star recruit. The want for Branch on collegiate rosters is set to go into overdrive once the 2020 season picks up, seeing him develop his game further as a receiver and return specialist.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Branch steps back into the Lab for an update on his recruiting and offseason workouts.
Interview
Zion, let’s catch everyone up on your skills on the field. When the 2019 season ended what did you feel were your strengths as a free safety?
Towards the end of the season my game developed more by anticipating plays based on the formation and routes, that really helped my game a lot.
Focusing on your technique, what have you been working on this spring and summer?
This summer I have been working on man and press coverage. Last year we did not press. I am showing colleges that I can play as a free safety, showing them that I can do press coverage.
With your cover skills, where are you seeing the improvements as you work on all the details in the lab?
My footwork at the line. I am moving my feet a lot – having good feet, keeping my feet under me at all times, and I’m clean in and out of my breaks.
What kind of workouts have you been doing to add more power to your attack on defense?
Power clean, I got my clean up to 260, and bench. My bench is now 275. I am stronger on those lifts. I’ve been doing a lot of hang clean and front squats and working out six days a week.
Speed, agility, and athleticism is always important for a skill player, what have you been doing to push your body to a max point this offseason?
My dad is track coach at Bishop Gorman. My brother and I are getting a lot of work in this offseason. We start on hills and then go to the field to work on speed and track workouts.
Where all might we see you on the field in 2020?
This year, I talked to my coaches about playing both sides, offense, defense and special teams. I will play receiver on offense this season.
Are you excited about getting snaps at receiver this season?
Yes, definitely. I used to play receiver in middle school. Before Gorman, I was a receiver and then I made that transition. Playing both ways and with my brother will be great this year.
With all the work put into your game this offseason, what are you wanting to showcase most when the 2020 season begins?
My versatility. Last year they only saw highlights of me from free safety, but playing both sides will help my stock showing my versatility as a kick returner, on offense and defense.
When does Gorman start fall camp, or have you already?
We began about a month ago, but they just stopped us about two weeks ago. We start school next Tuesday, then we get back to the facilities two weeks after that. We’ve been off campus for three weeks now.
When do you guys go into full pads and when does the season begin?
Our season does not start until February now. We cannot get into pads until January.
Are there any camps that have popped up that you might attend in the mean time?
As of right now, I don’t know if I will attend any camps, but that could change. As of right now, I have no plans to attend any camps.
It is always exciting talking recruiting with you. Are there any schools showing interest or have they all offered?
(Laughs) UCLA, their coach has reached out a few times, and I am to have some contact with Miami soon.
How many offers do you have?
Thirty.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
My most recent one was Northwestern and Arkansas before that, Clemson and LSU.
Branch’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Boise State, Clemson, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UNLV, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia
Some fantastic offers. Before the dead period began, did you take any unofficial visits?
Yes, I went to USC twice, once for a Junior Day. I had a great visit there; we saw a basketball game. That was a unique experience. I went again after a Rivals camp. We took pictures and talked to the coaches; they were really great.
Once the campuses open back up, are there any planned trips ahead?
Before the virus, I was supposed to go to Oklahoma for a visit, LSU, Oregon, and Washington. The plan was to visit schools in each region. I want to get to the south, and every conference and every region. I want to get there to see the differences.
When you speak with college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your talents?
Usually they tell me I can play in the open field well. They see me as a field general on the field side being the quarterback of the defense.
Zion, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and the team success during the extended offseason preparing for the 2020 schedule.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Branch family; Zion Branch at USC