USC Football: Freshman Receiver Earns Major Postseason Accolade

The USC Trojans may not have had the type of season they were hoping for, as they failed to be part of the College Football Playoffs. That didn't stop the team from coaching some of the most dynamic players in the NCAAF. 

One of those dynamic players is wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who has now been honored with the Jet Award. The Jet Award is an annual award given to the best return specialists in college football. 

A panel comprised of FWAA (Football Writers Association of America) and past Jet Award winners hand-picked Branch. 

Branch led the nation in 20.8 average yards per punt return. He was in 2nd in the nation with one punt return TDs, 3rd in the nation for a combined 774 return yards, and 6th in kickoff return TDs with one. 

Branch was a versatile weapon for the offensive output of the Trojans. On top of his return prowess, he also logged 320 yards on 31 receptions with 2 TDs. 

Despite the Trojans presumably losing Caleb Williams to the NFL Draft, they could be rolling with Miller Moss as the new starter. Moss showcased poise and big play-making ability in USC's Holiday Bowl win. Moss threw for 372 yards and 6 TDs in the game.

Moss and Branch could become a dangerous duo in the 2024 season, right in time for the Trojans to join the Big Ten. 

Branch is a dynamic player who certainly deserves the Jet Award. It will be interesting to see if Lincoln Riley involves him more in the passing game next season.