This is a post in the series introducing CU fans to CU’s freshman enrollees. To see the previous Hello post, see:
Position:
Safety.
Size:
6’2” 175 pounds on most recruiting sites. Miraculously, Branch actually expanded an inch in the altitude as he is listed at 6’3” 180 pounds on the CU roster — Branch is RANGY.
Offers:
Branch committed to CU over offers from Michigan, Penn State, Florida, the Corndogs, Auburn, Florida State, Maimi (yes, that Miami), Louisville, and many G5/6 schools.
Ranking:
Ranked three stars, the #533 player nationally, and the #46 safety in the country on the composite rankings. Some additional ranking tidbits:
- Ranked four stars on ESPN and On3 and 3 stars on 247 and rivals;
- ESPN lists him at the #26 safety and the #49 player in Florida; and
- On3 lists him as the #35 safety and the #44 player from Florida.
High School:
Branch attended Miami Northwestern High School for his sophomore and senior seasons, and Booker T. Washington for his junior season. The head coach at Miami Northwestern is former Denver Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater, the most famous one gloved man this side of Michael Jackson.
Northwestern High School is a Florida football power, with over 30 NFL veterans having plied their craft there. Vets include Amari Cooper, Lavonte David, and Torrian Wilson. Additional alums are rappers Trick Day (“Let’s Go!”) and Trina.
Branch’s senior year of high school saw Northwestern roll up a 10-2 record with a district title and a place in the Florida 3A semifinals. (Florida’s 3A enrollment band ranges from 1,167 – 1,542 students.)
In addition to the team’s exploits, Branch won several personal awards. For example, Branch was nominated for the Nat Moore Trophy as the best high school football player in South Florida. He was featured in a nice video by CBS Miami at the link below, where Branch credits his mother for inspiring his football drive.
It also appears that Branch ran track, at least for a period of time, as Branch is listed as running a 51.7 meter 400 yard das. This is good, albeit not blazing, speed. (Says the old fat guy typing on the computer)
The Scoooooooooooop:
Branch originally committed to Penn State last June after taking visits to College Station and Lincoln, Nebraska. Penn State recruiting expert Tyler Valvaruso ($ – https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/article/commit-analysis-penn-state-gets-a-versatile-ball-hawking-safety-in-antonio-branch-233045679/) noted that while Branch committed to Penn State without as much notoriety as some of the top 4-and-5 star safety targets that were being discussed, the fact that the Nittany Lions were ready to move forward with him over other, “higher rated” players on the board speaks a lot about how highly Penn State viewed him. He was later called “the most underrated recruit” in Penn State’s class by 247 sports.
Branch then visited Boulder for the Baylor game in late September and committed immediately after one of the greatest plays in Folsom History – the Baptist Bomb, the Prime Time Prayer, the Flatiron Floater, the Wester Wonder, the Bear-Down Breakdown, the Waco Wake-Up Call, the Westerly Wind….. have we named the play yet? I think I vote Westerly Wind, but I’m open to other suggestions.
After watching the best game in college football last year, Branch noted that the opportunity to be coached by Deion Sanders was too good to pass up. “It felt like home to me,” Branch said. “Why not get coached by the best to do it?”
Branch’s mother, Trina, credited defensive coordinator Robert Livingston for the flip. She added, “Besides the football, the atmosphere, the mountains, oh my God, the view of that was gorgeous. The people there were wonderful. Nice and loving. It felt like family.”
Roll the tape!
Branch is #39 in the video below
Branch is a natural ball-hawk and that allows him to play comfortably as a centerfielder in one-high looks. He is fluid coming in and out of his breaks and his agility is top-notch. He is often in the appropriate position to make a play on the ball over the top more often than not. It is clear that he is wiry, however, and his time in the weight room will be particularly important. For him to withstand the vigor of Big 12 football, he may need at least another 15 pounds.
Branch’s agility really stands out in 7-on-7 film. Recruiting guru Tom Loy notes that Branch has shined in every 7-on-7 circuit that he’s seen him play at.
The 6-foot-3, 180 pound Branch is listed as a safety but it’s possible he plays safety, nickel or corner for the Buffs. For Northwestern, he lined up all over the field. It wouldn’t surprise me if he does the same for the Buffs. In today’s world of college football, if Branch puts on 20 pounds, it wouldn’t be unfathomable to see him play some linebacker in passing downs, too. Branch’s versatility could be his greatest strength.
But How Does He Fit in the CU Multi-Verse?
He’s a Florida boy, so he fits just fine. He also committed to the Buffs over the Corndogs, so that’s another plus in his column.
Overall Excitement Level:
3.5 stars (out of 5). Branch has the same frame as current safety/corner hybrid Carter Stoutmire and may follow a similar trajectory. Stoutmire played his first year but really blossomed his second year by playing “starter” minutes (even if he wasn’t starting every game). If Branch can put on good weight over the next year, this would be a reasonable expectation for him. Regardless, this is a player that has the talent, ability and size to play at CU and be a real contributor early(ish) in his career.
Enjoying getting to meet the players.
One glove, Teddy “Two Gloves” didn’t get the nickname by only donning 1! Excited for TJ. Love me a good ballhawk. Go Buffs!