Blog

Aug 23, 2023

Caleb Williams to USC teammate Zachariah Branch: ‘You’re awesome, boy’

Zachariah Branch isn’t really a revelation, in the sense that anyone and everyone who follows USC closely knew he would be special. The surprise might be that he was this special this quickly. He

Zachariah Branch isn’t really a revelation, in the sense that anyone and everyone who follows USC closely knew he would be special.

The surprise might be that he was this special this quickly. He didn’t need a game in which to get settled and find his bearings. The impact Zachariah Branch made was substantial and profound.

As a playmaker on both offense and special teams, Branch dazzled the crowd inside the Los Angeles Coliseum in USC’s home opener against San Jose State on Saturday evening. The Trojans pulled away in the fourth quarter for a comfortable win after struggling for the first two and a half quarters of play.

A medium-long punt return by Branch was exciting, but it was only the beginning. Branch then delivered a 25-yard catch-and-run touchdown on a short Caleb Williams pass. He then brought the house down with his main act, a 96-yard kickoff return which gave USC a 42-21 lead midway through the second half and gave the Trojans a cushion in their season opener.

Caleb Williams is the man at USC, but Zachariah Branch — don’t call him Zach! — is going to be the man at USC in the future. He certainly was the breakout star of this season’s first game for the Trojans. Everyone went crazy when Branch did his thing in the open field:

Branch is looking like Bush 👀

WHAT A DEBUT pic.twitter.com/SnvJi3FhOR

— JWP Sports / CFBAlerts (@JWPSports) August 27, 2023

Zachariah Branch. Playmaker. 🔥✌️

📺: @Pac12Network📱: https://t.co/H8gtm99ygy pic.twitter.com/EB6dmBoNK3

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) August 27, 2023

This kid is gonna be special

— Fantasy Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) August 27, 2023

COLLEGE FOOTBALL MAY I INTRODUCE YOU TO ZACHARIAH BRANCH!!!

— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) August 27, 2023

The electricity and roar that went off in the Coliseum when Zachariah Branch touched that ball on the punt.

I’m sure it brought back feelings of another special Trojan…#USC

— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) August 27, 2023

Zachariah Branch became the first freshman to return kickoff for a TD since Adoree' Jackson in the 2014 Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska.

— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) August 27, 2023

Zachariah Branch putting in one of the greatest debuts by a USC freshman ever.

Seriously can't think of anything close to this off the dome.

— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) August 27, 2023

The most amazing thing about that kickoff return TD was the lack of stress Zachariah Branch showed. He was in complete control, knew where all the defenders were, was never concerned about backside pursuers because he sensed them at all times. Off-the-chart instincts.

— RichSC (@OriginalRichSC) August 27, 2023

Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to Zachariah Branch in his receiving line of teammates: "You are awesome, boy!"

Branch just shook his head in agreement.

— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) August 27, 2023

It's official — Zachariah Branch kick/punt returns are now mandatory viewing. No bathroom breaks for anyone on change of possessions. Branch takes that punt 18 weaving yards as the Coliseum crowd reacts to every move. #USC

— Ryan Young (@RyanYoungRivals) August 27, 2023

Zachariah Branch with the football in his hands pic.twitter.com/Lz18FU6FJ6

— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) August 27, 2023

Holy cow, Zachariah Branch is going to be awesome.

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) August 27, 2023

ZACHARIAH BRANCH. He pretty much gets permanent all-caps status at this point.

— R.J. Abeytia (@RJ_Abeytia) August 27, 2023

Alright Zachariah Branch has reached “don’t kick it to that guy” status

— Matt (@NoPitStops) August 27, 2023

PSA: Zachariah Branch wants to be called ZACHARIAH not Zach. #USC

— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) August 27, 2023

Zachariah Branch team ranks so far:

1st in All-Purpose Yards1st in Punt Return YardsT-1st in CatchesT-1st in Touchdown Catches2nd in Receiving Yards3rd in Rushing1st in Your Hearts

— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) August 27, 2023

USC Freshman Zachariah Branch is good. pic.twitter.com/lGzOgkQ0qV

— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) August 27, 2023

1-on-1 is 1-on-none when the one is Zachariah Branch.

— R.J. Abeytia (@RJ_Abeytia) August 27, 2023

#USC had some bad special teams units back in 2016, but Adoree Jackson made up for it with his ridiculous plays.

Too early to tell how good or bad the Trojans special teams will be this season, but Zachariah Branch will make up for a lot of shortcomings.

— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) August 27, 2023

Zach Branch really wants to give Caleb Williams some rest and get Miller Moss some snaps.

He also wants the D to get more reps and evaluations.

Amazing teammate. #USC https://t.co/2xNnGlN6sT

— USC Trojans Wire (@TrojansWire) August 27, 2023

Follow all your favorite SoCal teams at Trojans Wire, LeBron Wire, Chargers Wire and Rams Wire!

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy