Interview: Speed Burning 4-Star 2023 Nevada WR Zachariah Branch is a Sight to See
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Scouting high school football can be fun and exciting, and players like Zachariah Branch can make it really easy. When a receiver cleanly hauls in a pass making moves left and right flying past the defense like a track star in full pads, identifying a top collegiate recruit has never been easier. Add the physical giftings, productivity, and upside to Branch’s game, the Class of 2023 prospect is a must-see talent.
Looking back on the 2019 high school football season in Nevada, one player no one would guess was a freshman on the field with the pigskin in his hands was Branch. The 5-9.5, 167-pound, inside receiver at Bishop Gorman took 4A Nevada squads to the woodshed using his sub-10 second time in the 100 meters for 391 yards off 18 receptions with four trips into the end zone. As word spread of his game changing abilities, Branch was awarded second team MaxPreps All-American honors and four-star recruiting status with 13 scholarship offers extended.
To see how Branch is attacking his offseason and expanding his role on the Gaels’ roster for the 2020 season, we connected for a detailed RNG interview.
Interview
Zach, few freshmen get to have a big impact for their varsity squad and even fewer get to do so for a national powerhouse like Bishop Gorman. How did the coaches work you into the offensive game plan through the course of the season to become the team’s second-leading receiver?
They did it from Day 1. I started earlier with the team building chemistry. Quarterback Micah Bowens and I played 7v7 together and played together coming up through middle school. My coaches told me to study the playbook and to be ready. They told me I would be a go-to guy during the season.
Your speed is something else. What’s the best-timed run you’ve posted?
In my first track meet I ran a 10.9. We had a lot of head wind. Calculated without the wind, I was at a 10.7 in the 100 meters. The way I feel now, I know I could run a 10.6.
A lot of freshmen appear to be running for their lives going against varsity defenses, but not you. You were playing with a maturity beyond your years following your blockers and setting up defenders for extra yards. Impossible kind of question, but where does that skill come from within you? Is that instincts, film prep, or hours of reps in practice?
I’d say all three. My reaction time is fast, faster than those in my class. You practice how you play. If you practice slow you play slow. I burst for an extra 15 yards in practice, that transfers over to games.
In the slot, one of the main routes you were running was the quick screen. What were some of the other routes you executed last season?
Last season I had some posts, a lot curls, and the bubble screens. This season I will be running a bunch of different routes, I cannot wait.
What are some of the routes you will be running this season?
This year I will be running routes with double moves, routes like corner-post, posts, whip routes, digs, post-curls, out and up, and 10-yard digs, I want to showcase my route running this season. Last season I ran a lot of bubble screens and did not show my route running skills fully. I want to show that I am a lot more than a bubble screen guy.
This offseason, what all have you worked on to take your skills to the next level?
One of the big parts I am working on is reading defenses. I was quick reacting to defenders last year and reading the defense, I still have to work on that for the next level. This offseason I have also been working on my depth perception on my routes and having more control coming in and out of my breaks.
Where are you seeing the improvements already in your game as a receiver?
When we work with teammates, my one-on-ones are crazy with how many times I win reps. I am listening to my coaches, taking in what they are teaching me and it is working. I am blessed.
Besides playing receiver, are you taking on any new roles this season?
You will see me on special teams, obviously, and I am working some at quarterback.
You at quarterback, that will be exciting to see. Going into recruiting. College programs have rightfully fallen in love with your talents. Which program was the first to offer?
My first offer was from UNLV, under Coach (Tony) Sanchez. We were at a 7v7 tournament at UNLV, there were a bunch of good teams there. I had a good tournament. As we were leaving, Coach Sanchez came up to me and my brother (4-Star 2022 FS/ATH Zion Branch) offering both of us at the same time. That was a very cool experience.
Sounds like it. How many offers do you have now?
Thirteen.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
My last offers have come from USC and Oregon.
Branch’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Texas, UNLV, USC, Utah, and West Virginia
Nice. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Through conversations coaches have had with my brother, Ohio State, Washington, and UCLA.
When visits are allowed again in 2021, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
We were supposed to go to Oklahoma before the virus. I’d like to see USC again, Oregon, and some schools in the south. I want to see schools from each region to see what different schools have to offer.
Back to football. What is the Gaels’ practice schedule right now?
As of right now, we’ve been back for a month, this is our third or fourth week back, we are Monday through Thursday from 2:15 to 4:30.
For the rest of the fall and winter months until the season begins, what goals have you set for yourself?
I want to get to 170 or 175 and I want to get my overall strength up. My bench is at 265, my clean is 255, and my squat is 365. I’d like to get all those up another 15 to 20 pounds. This season, I will be going against some strong dudes.
Zachariah, all things considered, your numbers in the weight room are very impressive.
Thank you.
I appreciate your time today and wish you, your brother, and the team success preparing for the 2020 season in the coming months.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Branch family; Zachariah Branch