Hoof Prints: Fifth-year senior who will challenge for a starting job at inside linebacker...physical player...chose Buffalo because “it’s a great environment and to play football”

Junior (2010): Had 20 tackles while serving as a key reserve in the linebacking corps... had a season-high eight tackles in the season opener against Rhode Island, one for loss... had three solo tackles and a tackle for loss against Central Florida (9/18).

Redshirt Sophomore (2009): Appeared in all 12 games as a reserve linebacker...had eight tackles, including a sack on the season...had a pair of tackles against both UCF (9/19) and Western Michigan (10/24)...added his first career sack against the Broncos.

Sophomore (2008): Sat out the season as a redshirt.

Freshman (2007): Appeared in all 12 games and started two…amassed 26 tackles (10 solo), two for a loss and a quarterback hurry…had a tackle for loss at Temple (9/8)…had a pair of solo tackles at Penn State (9/15)…had a season-high nine tackles (three solo) in UB’s win over Toledo (10/13)...had three tackles, one for loss and a quarterback hurry against Kent State (11/24).

High School: Athletic linebacker who came to Buffalo from a powerhouse high school program at Seneca Valley under coach Fred Kim...a captain as a senior, the Screaming Eagles were 18-5 in Branch’s final two seasons...ranked the 83rd best strongside linebacker nationally by Scout.com...set school record for solo tackles in a game.