NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
TAYLOR — It isn’t hard to find Tavian Branch on a football field.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds, the massive two-way lineman attracts most of the attention at a practice. After an intense recruiting process, where he received offers from major Football Bowl Subdivision power programs, the All-Region and Hookey Reap Defensive Award winner selected Rutgers earlier this summer.
With his college future decided, Branch is ready to let loose for his senior season with the Vikings, who will try to follow up last season’s run to a District 2 Class 2A championship and a trip to the PIAA semifinals.
“It felt great to be able to have my commitment to go to Rutgers and to be able to have that out of the way knowing that I am 100% locked in on a Big Ten school and to just be able to grind one last time with my brothers,” Branch said during Thursday’s morning session as part of head acclimatization week.
Last season, Branch dominated on both sides of the ball.
His efforts on defense were impressive. Branch finished with 66 tackles, 48 solo, 27 for loss, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 20 quarterback hurries.
In two years as a starter, he has 94 tackles with 39 for loss and 12 sacks.
Even with all of his accolades, Branch is focused on having an even bigger impact this season.
“I (will) just keep doing what I am doing and keep staying focused,” Branch said. “Just keep remembering my why and the reason why I do what I do, and just keep going hard.”
Riverside lost some outstanding multiple-year starters and All-Region players to graduation from last season, including quarterback Chase Taddonio and tight end Richie Kostoff.
Carmelo Bennett, who ran for 205 yards last season, and Jared Jackson, who hauled in seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, will be counted on to help the…
Source link : https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2025/08/07/around-the-camps-riversides-big-man-enjoying-final-high-school-camp-delaware-valley-focused-on-challenging-season/
Author :
Publish date : 2025-08-07 19:05:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
