Zachariah Branch named to Walter Camp Preseason All-America Team

Zachariah Branch, USC Trojans Football

USC football sophomore Zachariah Branch was recently selected as the Walter Camp All-America Team’s first-team kick returner for the 2024 preseason. He was a 2023 second-team selection as a kick returner following his freshman season.

Branch led the nation in punt returns this past season, averaging 20.8 yards per return. He finished No. 3 in combined punt and kickoff return yards, with 774. Branch also returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns.

In addition to his return skills, Branch collected 31 catches for 320 yards (10.3 avg.), with a long of 36 yards and scored 2 TDs. He also rushed for 70 yards on 9 carries (7.8 avg.). The USC freshman phenom was recently named one of the most exciting players to watch in all of college football this upcoming season.

USC needs Branch to shine in all aspects of competition this season. The Trojans will need some kick returns to shorten fields and take some of the burden off quarterback Miller Moss and the offense. When Branch plays wide receiver, Moss will need him to evolve as a route runner and provide the precision the Trojans will be counting on in their passing attack. Branch’s evolution is something that can significantly raise the ceiling for USC this season, increasing the sense of what is possible for this team.