Jamaal Branch

Infobox NFLactive


name=
|width=
caption=
currentteam=Free Agent
currentnumber=--
currentpositionplain=Running back
birthdate=birth date and age|1981|1|30
birthplace=Hartford, Connecticut
heightft=5
heightin=11
weight=230
debutyear=2006
debutteam=New Orleans Saints
highlights=
* Walter Payton Award (2003)
college=Colgate
undraftedyear=2006
pastteams=
* New Orleans Saints (2006-2007):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=Free Agent
nfl=BRA505603

Jamaal Branch (born January 30, 1981 in Hartford, Connecticut) is an American football running back currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Colgate.

Early years

Branch attended Falmouth High School in Falmouth, Massachusetts and was a letterman in football, basketball, and lacrosse. In football, he was a three-year letterman, a two-time first team All-Cape Cod selection, and was twice named as an Old Colony All-Star selection. Upon graduation Jamaal attended New Hampton Prep School in New Hampton, New Hampshire where he continued to star on the football field. While attending New Hampton Prep Branch earned the All New England player of the year award, joining Willie Ford, another former Falmouth High graduate who earned it two years prior.

College career

Branch played College football at Colgate University from 2000-2001, 2003-2004. After sitting out all of 2002 for personal reasons, Branch led all of Division I football with 168.8 rushing yards and 12.5 points per game in 2003, setting NCAA records for yards (2,026), touchdowns (25), rushes (338), 100-yard games (11), and consecutive 100-yard games (11). He received the 2003 Walter Payton Award, given annually by The Sports Network.com to the best player in Division I-AA football [ [http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/2003payton_branch.htmThe Sports Network - Jamaal Branch wins 2003 Walter Payton Award] ] . It is widely considered to be the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy for Division I-A.

Pro career

On December 29, 2006, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints signed Branch to their roster [ [http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/sports/16341765.htmReady or Not, Subs Will Play] ] . It is widely thought that this move was to help give Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush a rest before the upcoming playoffs.

Two days later, in the Saints' New Year's Eve against the Carolina Panthers, Branch scored his first touchdown. It was a catch that was 7 yard outside rush to the end zone.

Branch broke his leg on the opening kickoff of the . Branch won't play again until 2008. He was released by the Saints on May 2, 2008.

Personal

He is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe through his mother and of African American ancestry on his father's side.

References