Alan Branch well grown, not grown up

[Griff]

I found this article on Branch from December.

Branch well grown, not grown up

Big Michigan defensive tackle fires up with football and calms down with coloring books.

Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

LOS ANGELES -- Alan Branch estimates that at least five times a day, he gets the question.

Are you staying?

Branch, a starting defensive tackle for No. 3 Michigan, is waffling when it comes to his future. He could return for his senior season or he could inform the NFL by Jan. 15 that he will enter the April draft.

He said he has an inkling which way he's leaning, but has no idea if Michigan's Rose Bowl game against No. 8 Southern California on New Year's Day will be his last with the Wolverines.

"Hopefully I wake up one day and just make a choice, so I can get everybody off my back," Branch said with a laugh. "This semester, I had a lot of fun. Going to the pros, that's a grown-up world, and I don't know if I'm ready for that now. I like having fun right now. I've developed a really nice bond with a lot of the guys. There are pros and cons to everything."

And they are?

"The pro for going is millions of dollars and getting to play better competition, and that really excites me," said Branch, who is 6-foot-6, 331 pounds. "And the pro for staying is my friends, the team unity, and we're going to have a great team next year and could win a national championship."

Either way, Branch said he intends to get his degree in General Studies. He is about 30 credits shy. Getting his degree has been the only concern of his parents, Detroit natives now living in New Mexico.

"My family is not rich, but they're well off," said Branch, who had 23 tackles, two sacks, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries this season. "They don't need my money, or they don't need me to go right away, so that's why I think I'm in a good situation, because I'm not forced to do anything.

"I could come back, I could leave. There's no pressure from anyone in my family. They're just there to support me."

Branch is generally an easy-going, roll-with-the-punches kind of guy. Not much flusters or frustrates him. Well, not much except traveling to Southern California.

He was a half-hour from landing in Albuquerque to spend a few days at home before heading to Los Angeles, when snow prevented the flight from landing. The plane was diverted to Denver, where Branch spent the night.

"I didn't want to waste money going to a hotel and sleeping for five hours, so I slept there (at the airport)," he said. "So I wake up (in Denver), and I see snow, and I thought, 'Oh, man.' They told us we were not going to be able to get on a plane. Then, I went downstairs to figure out how I could get into a hotel, and they were all booked. I was in the airport for over 24 hours. I'm sure there were some people who thought I was a bum, but I lay down on the floor. I'm usually an upbeat guy, but that was the most bitter I've been."

Branch never got home.

"I missed the pecan pie, the sweet potato pie," he said.

The thing about Branch, though, is he is resilient. He has a youthful approach to most things and often is considered a kid in a big guy's body. During practices here as the Wolverines have prepared for USC, Branch has been seen doing cartwheels on the field.

"My favorite shows are cartoons," Branch said. "I am a little kid. If you want to hang out with me, you're going to have to sit down and watch some cartoons, because I watch them all day long. If you don't feel like doing it, don't come over to my house. I never grew out of that stage, I guess. I just love it. It's funny."

He occasionally taps into his inner kid with coloring books. Branch said he uses crayons and has done five books this year.

"It relaxes me," he said. "A lot of people don't think about the little things that make you happy. Just coloring, that was fun for us (as kids)."

His off-the-field nature can't be confused for the young man who takes the field for Michigan.

"If you ask anyone who knows me personally, they'll say I'm a cool, calm, collected guy, but when I get my pads on, I become a whole new person," Branch said. "I become this crazy guy that you don't expect from me."

Branch also is considered one of the most astute Wolverines.

"The greatest attribute he has, when I ask questions, it doesn't matter what position, he answers," said defensive line coach Steve Stripling. "He's one of the smartest football players I've ever coached. Sometimes in game films, they'll come out in a new formation, and guys won't know where to line up, and he'll start telling them. He is really a brilliant football player."

He also has frequently been described by Michigan coaches as a phenomenal athlete. In high school, he played baseball, basketball and soccer, and in football, he played nearly every position -- receiver, tight end, running back, quarterback, punt returner, cornerback and linebacker -- and, yes, he was this size back then.

Practice goes well

The Wolverines went through an hour-and-a-half practice on Christmas Day wearing pads and shorts. After celebrating the holiday at a team dinner, the players are off until Wednesday morning.

Both Michigan and USC will visit Disneyland today.

"I thought the workout (Monday) was positive," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said after practice. "I thought our timing was better today, so now what we hope is, they'll get their legs rested."

The Wolverines practiced Monday with crowd noise piped in, mostly the USC fight song, "Fight On."

"It's hard to appreciate the significance of crowd noise," Carr said.

"It's hard to win the Rose Bowl, First of all, you're always playing against an outstanding team, and Southern Cal is a home team. And there are so many distractions. If you're going to be able to execute and play your best, you've got to have really good preparation and really good concentration."

Arrington arrives

Junior receiver Adrian Arrington practiced Monday for the first time since Dec. 19. He missed the last two practices in Los Angeles because of travel delays.

You can reach Angelique S. Chengelis at Angelique.Chengelis@detnews.com.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061226/SPORTS0201/612260334/1004/SPORTS

[Dana87]

I want to hear on draft day...

With the 6th pick the Washington Redskins Select Alan Branch DT Univ. of Michigan

[Troy Fakeman]

I want to hear on draft day...

With the 6th pick the Washington Redskins Select Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech University

[NavyDave]

I want to hear on draft day...

With the 6th pick the Washington Redskins Select Alan Branch DT Univ. of Michigan

Unless Brady Quinn is there for the Browns I just don't see Romeo C, defensive minded head coach passing on this guy but I'd be very happy with either him or Arkansas' Anderson

[Fredburgskin]

Maybe as a signing bonus they could give him a bunch of coloring books and some crayons and markers.

Hope he falls to #6. We could really use him.

[blitzpackage]

Unless Brady Quinn is there for the Browns I just don't see Romeo C, defensive minded head coach passing on this guy but I'd be very happy with either him or Arkansas' Anderson

Good point. I just checked the stats and Cleveland finished 27th in total defense and 29th against the run. With Romeo being a defensive minded coach with a good pass rusher in Wimbley already there, all indications point to Cleveland getting Branch.

[MidPennSkin]

Spending all his time watching cartoons on TV is not a good sign. As I recall it, that's what Michael Westbrook did with his spare time. We need a guy that watches game film, not cartoons. I say go with Anderson.

[Laxpunk2006]

Spending all his time watching cartoons on TV is not a good sign. As I recall it, that's what Michael Westbrook did with his spare time. We need a guy that watches game film, not cartoons. I say go with Anderson.

You can't be serious? That's like saying we shouldn't sign Chad Johnson because he eats McDonalds and thats obviously not good for his health. He should spend his meals with a team nutritionist instead.

[Uno Mas]

It doesnt concern you guys that he seems to be on the wrong side of the natural maturation process?

[laxpck]

Ummmm what film does a DT have to watch?

Sumo Wrestlers?

WWF or WWE?

Push left - Push right - Hold Ground

That is the limit of what a DT needs to know. Which is why drafting a stud DT pays immediate dividends. No coaching up needed. Just be big and command double team.

Anderson or Branch will fall to us in this draft. It just takes a personelle department to decide they want a piece of cake and not the icing and flash.

[jasimpson]

Ummmm what film does a DT have to watch?

Sumo Wrestlers?

WWF or WWE?

Push left - Push right - Hold Ground

That is the limit of what a DT needs to know. Which is why drafting a stud DT pays immediate dividends. No coaching up needed. Just be big and command double team.

Anderson or Branch will fall to us in this draft. It just takes a personelle department to decide they want a piece of cake and not the icing and flash.

Bingo

[chrisc0015]

How is it not being mature if he does what makes him enjoy himself? He likes watching cartoons, other people like watching movies, other people like hiking... whats the difference?

Because cartoons are marketed towards children its less mature? If anything he is more mature for doing what he enjoys despite common belief that its childish.

[ceviker]

Spending all his time watching cartoons on TV is not a good sign. As I recall it, that's what Michael Westbrook did with his spare time. We need a guy that watches game film, not cartoons. I say go with Anderson.

Michael Westbrook spent his spare time practicing his taekwondo for beating the **** out of Stephen Davis in practice.

[dfbovey]

Who the hell cares what the guy does in his spare time? Even Ray Lewis has a life outside of football, and I'm sure he doesn't spend every waking moment watching film.

There are far worse things that the guy COULD be doing with his spare time...

[Riggo#44]

Who the hell cares what the guy does in his spare time? Even Ray Lewis has a life outside of football, and I'm sure he doesn't spend every waking moment watching film.

There are far worse things that the guy COULD be doing with his spare time...

Um, Ray Lewis' off field activities probably shouldn't be used as a paradigm...you remember that whole accessory to murder thing?

[RumpofSteelSKIN]

I tape college games and watch them to evaluate draft prospects.

Just so happens I'm grading Branch today. I'm able to rewind, slow down, etc., and let me say this: The guy is an average player at best. He gets pushed around - A LOT.

I wouldn't touch him at #6. I expected to see a monster on tape, but through 3 games, I've yet to see this guy have a game where he's dominated his man. A top5-6 pick should have at least flashed an ability to do so, but his guy is a marginal player in the NFL at best. He's constantly out of position, and getting pushed around in 1-on-1 blocking.

Be careful to not get caught up in hype. Have you actually seen this guy play? I mean really watched him play to the point that you're able to see nuances of the game the networks don't highlight?

I actually was taken aback as I watched Branch get stuffed repeatedly in one game. Then when he actually made a tackle, the play-by-play guy announced it like the guy was all-world, and called him one of the best in the country. I beg to differ. It's hype like that that misleads the casual observer into thinking more of a player than that player actually is.

To the naked eye/ear, it gave the impression "This is guy we gotta have!" But, upon careful observation, I see Branch has a lot more flaws than people are aware of.

After watching how little Branch actually influenced the game, I have reached this conclusion. Something has to be wrong with Michigan d-lineman. I don't know what, but there isn't one in the NFL that's making even an above average impact. I'm talking d-linemen only. There isn't one player from UM's d-line that can be called an impact player. Big Gabe Watson was supposed to be that guy last year. I found him to be not even average - but below average in his influence on a game at the college level. I felt he would have little impact as a pro, and so far he's been quiet, even though DT is supposedly a position players translate to more easily than most others.

Michigan is a top-flight program that sends guys to the NFL by the truckload. So why is there not one d-lineman from that progrm that's even above average in the NFL? Somethings gotta be wrong, I tell you.

In watching Branch, I see his game is lacking.

BTW, the best player on that Wolverines defense is MLB David Harris. Now there's a Michigan position that currently is repped well in the NFL (Ian Gold, Cato June).

Instead of taking Branch at #6 (I don't even see first-round talent with him), I'd rather trade down 10-15 spots and take Harris to man the middle. He's athletic, has good vision and quick reaction time, and hits hard. He strikes me as a smart player (supersmart?) that enjoys the game. He's often around the football, too. After taking Harris in the mid-first round, I'd use the extra picks to address a couple of other positions, depending on what we do in free agency.

But, please, just say no to Branch. I trust what I see and my eyes are not deceiving me. We would be sorely disappointed.

[SlobberknockerSkinsFan]

I tape college games and watch them to evaluate draft prospects.

I wish I had your job....or the spare time to do that(whichever it may be). That must be sweet!!!!

[Morneblade]

Um, Ray Lewis' off field activities probably shouldn't be used as a paradigm...you remember that whole accessory to murder thing?

I think that was the point. I rather have a guy that watches cartoons than goes after people with a gun (ST) or gets busted for drugs or gets into fights at clubs.

I'll take cartoons anyday.

[terpfan]

Im just excited that we are almost guaranteed one of Branch, Adams, or Anderson. Thats some pretty good fortune right there.

[CommDownMan]

I tape college games and watch them to evaluate draft prospects.

Just so happens I'm grading Branch today. I'm able to rewind, slow down, etc., and let me say this: The guy is an average player at best. He gets pushed around - A LOT.

I wouldn't touch him at #6. I expected to see a monster on tape, but through 3 games, I've yet to see this guy have a game where he's dominated his man. A top5-6 pick should have at least flashed an ability to do so, but his guy is a marginal player in the NFL at best. He's constantly out of position, and getting pushed around in 1-on-1 blocking.

Be careful to not get caught up in hype. Have you actually seen this guy play? I mean really watched him play to the point that you're able to see nuances of the game the networks don't highlight?

I actually was taken aback as I watched Branch get stuffed repeatedly in one game. Then when he actually made a tackle, the play-by-play guy announced it like the guy was all-world, and called him one of the best in the country. I beg to differ. It's hype like that that misleads the casual observer into thinking more of a player than that player actually is.

To the naked eye/ear, it gave the impression "This is guy we gotta have!" But, upon careful observation, I see Branch has a lot more flaws than people are aware of.

After watching how little Branch actually influenced the game, I have reached this conclusion. Something has to be wrong with Michigan d-lineman. I don't know what, but there isn't one in the NFL that's making even an above average impact. I'm talking d-linemen only. There isn't one player from UM's d-line that can be called an impact player. Big Gabe Watson was supposed to be that guy last year. I found him to be not even average - but below average in his influence on a game at the college level. I felt he would have little impact as a pro, and so far he's been quiet, even though DT is supposedly a position players translate to more easily than most others.

Michigan is a top-flight program that sends guys to the NFL by the truckload. So why is there not one d-lineman from that progrm that's even above average in the NFL? Somethings gotta be wrong, I tell you.

In watching Branch, I see his game is lacking.

BTW, the best player on that Wolverines defense is MLB David Harris. Now there's a Michigan position that currently is repped well in the NFL (Ian Gold, Cato June).

Instead of taking Branch at #6 (I don't even see first-round talent with him), I'd rather trade down 10-15 spots and take Harris to man the middle. He's athletic, has good vision and quick reaction time, and hits hard. He strikes me as a smart player (supersmart?) that enjoys the game. He's often around the football, too. After taking Harris in the mid-first round, I'd use the extra picks to address a couple of other positions, depending on what we do in free agency.

But, please, just say no to Branch. I trust what I see and my eyes are not deceiving me. We would be sorely disappointed.

Not disagreeing with your eyes, but the DLine as a whole has done something right. Maybe the starting 4 are all better then average making one guy look better (not always drawing doubles). Maybe they have a system that makes solid guys that work together (no superstars/1st rounders as you mention). The way they stopped the run this year, it just seems that they (UM program) had to have a good bit of talent on that line.

[dfbovey]

Um, Ray Lewis' off field activities probably shouldn't be used as a paradigm...you remember that whole accessory to murder thing?

That's kinda the point I'm making. There's a whole lot of trouble that players can get into off the field. Who gives a flying **** if the guy likes watching Cartoons in his free time. I've never seen a guy get thrown in jail or get shot at or stabbed while watching Sponge Bob.

And as I said, not everyone spends every waking moment watching film in their spare time.

Those were the two points I was making.

[Ghost of]

Apparently, people don't read the whole article. When I read someone complain about him watchin cartoons in his OFF-TIME instead of film, I have to wonder if they read this:

Branch also is considered one of the most astute Wolverines.

"The greatest attribute he has, when I ask questions, it doesn't matter what position, he answers," said defensive line coach Steve Stripling. "He's one of the smartest football players I've ever coached. Sometimes in game films, they'll come out in a new formation, and guys won't know where to line up, and he'll start telling them. He is really a brilliant football player."

I want that kind of guy. Not only a 'beast' but someone who can play that leadership role and get the guys lined up for the play. I'm not saying "DRAFT HIM" but I am saying that what people seem to focus on is bizarre, in my opinion.

As for Michigan D-Lineman, you forgot James Hall with Detroit. I mean he isn't all-world but he's been a decent player. had one double digit sack year but is more of 5-6 sack guy.

But you make a good point about U-M Defensive lineman. I think one problem is there haven't been enough blue chip prospects for them at that level of the defense until very recently.

And yeah, David Harris is a beast. I'd love to get him and if we have to trade down to justify it, I'd be fine with it. We need all the defensive help and O-line depth we can get.

[thedoc4454]

To Rumposteelskin,

I agree with you completely. Branch is totally over-hyped. Let's trade down and aim to get the real stars from Michigan Lamar Woodley and David Harris. When Michigan played Ohio State Woodley set up legal residency in the Ohio State backfield and Harris ( Who the players voted MVP ) seemed like he was in on every tackle.:2cents:

[skinsfan07]

I want to hear on draft day...

With the 6th pick the Washington Redskins Select Alan Branch DT Univ. of Michigan

:applause: Same here. And it looks like he will be there when we pick.

[Siven]

You can't be serious? That's like saying we shouldn't sign Chad Johnson because he eats McDonalds and thats obviously not good for his health. He should spend his meals with a team nutritionist instead.

I salute Chad Johnson for that. I watched some interview with him and he has been trying to figure out what sent Jerry Rice over the edge and made him the best. (Perhaps, lack of McDonalds).