Zachariah Branch accomplishes rare feat in USC debut
Zachariah Branch had a remarkable debut on Saturday night against San Jose State.
The true freshman receiver collected a pair of touchdowns — one receiving and one on a kick return. Branch became the first USC player to score a receiving and return TD in the same game since Adoree Jackson
Jackson accomplished the feat during his final season with the Trojans in 2016. He scored on a 52-yard pass against Notre Dame in November of that season. He also scored on a kickoff return and a punt return against the Fighting Irish.
Branch finished the game with 4 catches for 45 yards. Branch collected 12 yards on the ground and scored on a 96-yard kickoff return TD. He also returned 3 punts for 66 yards on the night.
Here are some highlights from his performance:
He's only a freshman 😱
Zachariah Branch had himself a night! pic.twitter.com/PQuhJruX24
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) August 27, 2023
It’s just one game, but so far Branch is living up to the hype that came with his lofty status as a recruit. Branch was the No. 4 overall player and the No. 1 receiver in the class of 2023, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Branch is expected to play a major role for the Trojans on offense and on special teams this season.
USC will be in action again on Sept. 2 against Nevada.