Zachariah Branch shattered a nearly three-decade-old record for receptions during his junior campaign at the Georgia Bulldogs. His yardage total beat out those of all other Bulldog receivers by more than 400 yards. But even that resume didn’t impress Steve Smith Sr.,who was quick to criticize the Georgia coaching staff for limiting his route tree.
The former All-Pro receiver noted how Branch’s average depth of target was only 3.6 yards during 2025. Corner, comeback, and post routes were used by Branch in less than 1% of his routes.
Branch could move well, but UGA didn’t make use of that
“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,” Smith added. “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
In fairness, the numbers are difficult to refute. Running at close to 4.3 with a 26mph treadmill speed, one would expect a player like Branch to be asked to stretch his legs a bit more often.
The good news is that Branch wasn’t asked to simply stay in and work the middle. He was UGA’s leader in receptions. The problem isn’t about giving him targets. The issue is making sure he sees a diverse menu of them.
Before the draft, Mel Kiper Jr. had projected Branch to be a first-round pick. Whether or not his lack of varied routes hurt his stock, we shall soon find out.
