This morning’s installment of our countdown of Georgia Bulldogs whose output could decide the team’s season focuses on a new face who could make big contributions in more than one phase of the game.
Zachariah Branch was hailed as one of the premier transfer portal pickups of the offseason. Which makes total sense. Only a handful of genuine, first team All-American candidates come on the market in any given offseason. And one like Branch who could make a difference both on offense and special teams is even more valuable.
During his two seasons at USC the Las Vegas native hauled in 78 receptions for 823 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. 47 of those receptions and 503 receiving yards came during his standout sophomore season. Those type of numbers would be a welcome addition in a Bulldog receiving corps that needs to replace a lot of lost 2024 production.
But Branch also served as a return specialist, registering five kickoff returns for 105 yards as well as 13 punt returns for 74 yards. As a freshman in 2023 he won the Jet Award honoring the nation’s top return specialist after tallying 16 punt returns for 332 yards and a touchdown while also registering 24 kick returns for 442 yards and another score. For his efforts he was named First Team honoree as a return specialist by USA Today and the Sporting News.
That’s a tantalizing resume for a Bulldog squad that lost its top two punt returners from 2024. Anthony Evans had 17 punt returns for 129 yards last season, and Malaki Starks chipped in 4 returns for 39 yards. Starks obviously is earning favorable reviews as a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens. Evans transferred to Mississippi State soon after Branch announced his decision to come to Athens.
I have no idea how or if those two decisions are related. But Branch’s skills as a returner are clear, so much so that SEC writers already voted him preseason first-team as both a return specialist and all-around contributor. That’s a pretty powerful endorsement for a player who has yet to take the field for an SEC game.
That being said, Branch may be needed more at receiver than in the kicking game. He’s a legitimate early round NFL prospect and could play any number of spots. But I think he could be the league’s best slot receiver, comparing to Ladd McConkey, albeit perhaps not with the same virtuoso route running skills. Still, Branch’s elusiveness combined with his top end speed could make him a threat both in the quick passing game and to take the top off defenses. Mike Bobo is going to need someone to fulfill both roles, and Branch could be just the guy.
2025 Floor: Starter at receiver and primary kick returner, All-SEC consideration at both.
2025 Ceiling: Lives up to preseason press, pushes for first team All-American status. First day NFL draft pick.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!