Interview: Tennessee 2018 RB Jordan Branch is Sure Fun to Watch Run the Ball

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It is always fun to come across an under the radar talent the rest of the recruiting world has yet to discover. The excitement of the discovery rivals Christmas morning getting to share with the world a new find. One such player ready for the attention is Crockett County running back Jordan Branch.

Chances are if one does not live in the Alamo (TN) area, or close to Jackson, the name Jordan Branch does not ring a bell. Branch exploded onto the scene during his sophomore season becoming the very definition of a “big back.” The 6-1, 250 pound, athlete is not a side-show attraction watching the big guy bowl over smaller defenders for three yards and a cloud of dust. He is the real deal showing great athleticism, nifty footwork, and speed in space to gain separation from hopeful tacklers.

Branch showed what he could do on the field as a sophomore after earning a starting position for the Cavaliers at fullback as a freshman. The transition was seamless. Even though Branch is big for his size, he does not necessarily play like a big back all the time. He has the stiff-arm down and can knock defenders at the second level on their respective cans while running between the tackles, but he also has moves to compliment his game.

College coaches already love Branch’s abilities, at least the ones familiar with him. He has already received an offer from Texas-San Antonio despite missing his junior campaign with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury. Luckily neither required surgery but happened during the team’s pre-season jamboree forcing him off the gridiron for what was shaping up to be an unbelievable season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Branch to get insight on his injury, recovery, and recruitment to date.

Interview

Jordan, your injury kept you off the field this season, what happened?

“I injured my PCL and LCL during our jamboree. No surgery was required, just rest and physical therapy.”

What is your timeline to being back on the field and 100 percent healthy?

“I should be cleared by January.”

Are you doing upper body lifting now?

“Yes, I am.”

What is your max on bench?

My max is at 300 on bench.”

What was your squat max pre-injury>

“My squat max was 475.”

Nice. Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“My 40 was 4.7.”

You look faster than that on your reel.

“Thank you.”

When healthy, what are your strengths on the field as a running back?

“People say I have a nice stiff-arm, I’m a power runner, and I can get the tough yards.”

At your size, how did you become a running back without being moved to another position?

“I started at running back in fifth grade. I was a lineman for a while but I was big and fast. I started at fullback my freshman year. Last year they moved me to back to see what I could do.”

Do you play any other positions for Crockett County?

“I played linebacker my sophomore year. I was playing at defensive end this year before I got hurt.”

What do you plan on working on in the off-season to get ready for your senior year?

“I’m going to work on getting faster. I’m trying to cut down to 240 before my senior year starts.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“My first offer came in September from UTSA. Ole Miss and Wisconsin have shown interest in me too.”

What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“They like my size, and my quick feet. They tell me I have good speed for a big back.”

Which position are the different schools recruiting you to play?

“UTSA offered me at running back. I’m not sure about the other two schools honestly.”

 

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I have taken visits to Ole Miss and Louisville.”

How did your trip to Ole Miss go?

“It was good.”

What about your trip to Louisville, how did that go?

“I talked to the coaches while I was there and was on the sidelines before the game. They had really nice facilities there.”

Do you play any other sports for Crockett County?

“I play basketball.”

Did you get to watch any college football games on Saturday? If so, which games did you watch?

“I watched the Nebraska/Wisconsin game. That was a really good game.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your recovery.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Jordan Branch’s 2015 season highlight reel.

Photo credits: Jackson Sun; No. 32 Jordan Branch drags a defender for more yards.

Photo credit: Branch family; Jordan Branch (middle) at Louisville.