Zachariah Branch broke a nearly three-decade-old record for receptions during his junior season at Georgia. His receiving yards topped all other Bulldogs receivers by more than 400 yards.
But that wasn’t enough to impress Steve Smith Sr.
The former All-Pro receiver criticized Georgia’s coaching staff for limiting Branch’s route tree. Smith pointed out that Branch’s average depth of target was only 3.6 yards during 2025.
Corner routes, comeback routes, and post routes made up less than 1% of Branch’s total routes.
Smith Questions Georgia’s Play-Calling
“Really like his game once he gets the ball in his hands, but really don’t understand why Georgia didn’t give him a better opportunity to showcase his versatility. I believe that really hurts him as a prospect, and I think it doesn’t do him justice.”
Legendary NFL receiver Steve Smith was talking about Zachariah Branch’s role in the UGA offense this season and called it “utterly pathetic” (swipe)
Apparently Branch only ran a corner, comeback, or post route on 1% of his total routes run. He says that the Dawgs are not… pic.twitter.com/k7OJJBotuC
— Recruits CFB (@recruits_cfb) April 11, 2026
The numbers back up Smith’s criticism. Branch runs close to a 4.3-second 40-yard dash with a 26mph treadmill speed.
You’d expect a player with that speed to stretch the field more often.
Branch led Georgia in receptions. The problem wasn’t giving him targets.
The issue was the variety of those targets.
Draft Stock Questions
Mel Kiper Jr. projected Branch as a first-round pick before the draft. Whether his limited route tree hurt his draft stock remains to be seen.
The versatility question will likely come up in team interviews. NFL scouts want to see receivers who can run the full route tree.
Branch’s production speaks for itself. But Smith’s criticism highlights a gap between college success and NFL readiness.
