OG Branch Believes He Can Shine in College Park, Reach The 'Next Level'

Offensive guard Johari Branch (Independence C.C./Independence, Kans.) had two official visits scheduled in December, the first to Maryland Dec. 6, and the final to Purdue Dec. 13. He originally planned to take in both College Park, Md., and West Lafayette, Ind., before choosing one of the two on signing day Dec. 18, but the 6-foot-3.5, 325-pounder elected not to embark on the latter trip. Branch, a former Eastern Illinois product who left after the staff was fired, committed to Maryland Dec.