July 25, 2024
By Cody Nagel, 247Sports: Former five-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch made an immediate impact in his debut season at USC in 2023. The electric speedster became the first true freshman First Team All-American in Trojans’ history, earning the honors as a returner. Branch scored twice on special teams, but his offensive production lacked. USC head coach Lincoln Riley hopes to see that dynamic athleticism translate into a more significant role on offense this season.
“We’ve really challenged him this year to become a bigger part and a more consistent part of our offense,” Riley said Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days. “I think that is really going to be part of his evolution. He had some really good moments for us offensively last year, but he wasn’t as impactful as he was on special teams. Certainly I think he’s growing as a receiver, as a ball carrier, understanding offenses, understanding route running, understanding defenses, how we’re trying to attack people.”
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