#79 Matt Branch Season 2025
CAREER
Had career cut short after a series of injuries … Opted to take a medical scholarship following the 2011 season thus ending his playing career with the Tigers … Played in 28 games with no starts during his career with the Tigers … Saw action at both offensive guard and tight end.
JUNIOR SEASON (2011)
Played in seven games with no starts … Competed in 46 offensive plays with eight knockdowns on the year … Played a season-high 27 snaps at guard against Northwestern State and tallied a career-best seven knockdowns … Saw action in 14 snaps at Ole Miss and posted one knockdown.
SOPHOMORE SEASON (2010)
Played in 11 games with no starts … Competed in 18 offensive plays with three knockdowns on the year … Played a season-high nine snaps at guard against ULM and tallied two knockdowns … Came in on five plays in the Cotton Bowl win over Texas A&M … Recorded one knockdown in two plays against Mississippi State … Lined up at tight end or tackle on short-yardage or goal line plays.
REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2009)
Played in 10 games with no starts … Served as a backup offensive tackle and also lined up at tight end on short yardage and goal line situations.
FRESHMAN SEASON (2008)
Redshirted as a true freshman in 2008.
HIGH SCHOOL
A blue-chip tight end rated among the best in the nation at his position … Named to the Rivals.com 250 and ranked as the nation’s No. 6 tight end … Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, New Orleans Times-Picayune Top 25 Blue-Chip List and Atlanta Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 … Earned Class 2A all-state honors in both his junior and senior years … Also named to the academic all state team … Caught 32 balls for 312 yards and one touchdown as a senior … Caught 25 passes for 275 yards and five TDs as a junior … Also, helped pave the way for a pair of 1,000 yard rushers his junior year … Also played baseball, basketball and participated in track and field in high school … Coached by Mike Collins.
PERSONAL
Full name is Matthew Clayton Branch … Born March 1, 1989, in Monroe, La. … Parents are Mark Branch and Brenda Tarver … Has four siblings – Kaitlin, Jake, Connor and Emily … Majoring in general studies.