Zion Branch says Florida State offer is “big deal”

Zion Branch is a 6’2.5 190 pound safety from Las Vegas, NV.

The Class of 2022 prospect attends Bishop Gorman High School and has a 93 rating (4*) from 247 Sports. They consider him the 74th best player in America (3rd best safety and 3rd best player in Nevada).

Branch holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and Washington, among many others.

In April, he received an offer from Florida State:

He recently got an offer to the All-American Bowl:

TN caught up with Branch recently to learn more:

How did you receive the FSU offer, and what’d it mean to you?

“I spoke on the phone with Coach Dillingham and Coach Woodson on a group FaceTime. It meant a lot—we had a great conversation.”

Have you always lived out west—what do you know about Florida State?

“Yes—I was born in California, then I moved to Nevada when I was 2.

Florida State is obviously a great school academically and athletically, so knowing they’re interested in me is a big deal.”

How would you describe your style?

“I like to describe myself as a field general—like the quarterback of the defense. Knowing what everyone on the field is doing helps me makes plays.”

What player(s) do you look up to/model your game after (college/NFL)?

“A college safety that I model my game after is Grant Delpit. An NFL player is Derwin James or Jamal Adams.”

247 Sports recently ranked you as the 74th best player in America (3rd best safety & 3rd best player in Nevada). Are you pleased or upset with those numbers and how does it motivate you?

“I’m very blessed to be ranked. A lot of great players aren’t ranked yet, [so] having the chance to be ranked is great. It still motivates me to be the No. 1 player. It gives me something to work towards.”

You have a nice offer list already—what offer(s) are you waiting for that would be a game-changer(s)?

“None really. I’m blessed to even have one offer, so I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to turn some more colleges heads. It would be great if more offers come on the way, but it’s not my main focus.”

What schools do you hope to visit when the Dead Period is lifted?

“Definitely at least a few schools in each region of the country.”

Do you plan on taking a visit to FSU?

“Most definitely. I would love to. I will try to get out there for sure.”

What are the biggest things you’re looking for in a school when making your final decision?

“A school where it really fits me—where I feel comfortable on and off the field, in football season and off-season.”