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Zachariah Branch Gets Honest About USC's 2023 Season

Introduction

Practice Makes Perfect

Q: Was there a moment last year where you felt like it clicked for you, where you realized you could perform at a high level?

Zachariah Branch: "Yeah, I felt like it pretty much clicked for me in practice. I had a lot of guys pushing me and helping me get up to speed. Specifically, Mario Williams and Taj Washington on the offensive side took me in from the beginning and taught me what it was to be a USC receiver at a high level. Caleb [Williams] was also making sure I was up to speed, and the coaching staff did a great job."

"I was going against great DBs pretty much every day in practice, which gave me a chance to get acclimated and really compete. Coming in the spring definitely helped me excel early, both academically and athletically."

Transition to the Big Stage

"When that first game hit, it was really just playing football again. Coming from Bishop Gorman, where we had a lot of nationally televised games, the college atmosphere was different. But I feed off the crowd, so the more people, the better I perform."

"I think once I made those plays, it was just really fun."

Special Moments and Favorite Plays

Q: Do you have a favorite play from last season?

Zachariah Branch: "There are so many. But my favorite has to be the first game against San Jose State. My parents went to San Jose State, and it was the first college game for my brother and me. That was a special game overall. Scoring that first touchdown was special."

"I remember doing an interview with Overtime, where they asked about my first celebration. I planned it the whole time, visualizing myself doing the Smee celebration. When I got into the end zone, my teammates had some great blocks to put me in that position. I went straight into it and hit the celebration."

Keyword

Keyword:

  • Zachariah Branch
  • USC
  • Practice
  • Mario Williams
  • Taj Washington
  • Caleb Williams
  • Bishop Gorman
  • San Jose State
  • First touchdown
  • Celebration

FAQ

FAQ:

  1. Q: How did Zachariah Branch feel about practicing with his teammates?

    • A: He felt supported and pushed by his teammates like Mario Williams and Taj Washington, who helped him get up to speed.

  2. Q: What helped Zachariah Branch acclimate and excel early at USC?

    • A: Coming in the spring helped him adjust academically and athletically.

  3. Q: How did Zachariah Branch describe the transition from high school to college football?

    • A: He mentioned that the college atmosphere was different but felt he fed off the crowd, which enhanced his performance.

  4. Q: What was Zachariah Branch's favorite play from the previous season?

    • A: His favorite play was the first game against San Jose State, which held special significance for him and his family.

  5. Q: What celebration did Zachariah Branch plan for his first touchdown?

    • A: He planned to do the Smee celebration, which he successfully executed after scoring his first touchdown.

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