Connecticut NFL draft bio: Tyvon Branch

By Darrell Laurant  |   Monday, January 21, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Connecticut Huskies
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

Tyvon Branch's University of Connecticut football career seemed to go by fast -- literally.

The fleet Huskie cornerback was pointedly avoided by opposing teams this past season and finished without an interception. But he got his hands on the ball nevertheless, averaging an eye-popping 28.9 yards on 27 kickoff returns, hauling two back for touchdowns. He almost broke a third in the Meineke Car Care Bowl loss to Wake Forest, traveling 63 yards before being tackled.

There is a lot that the pros like about Branch, named All-Big East as a senior. He has speed (a quickest 40 time of 4.38, the New York State championship in the 100 and 200 at Cicero/North Syracuse High School), decent size (6 feet, 198) and versatility (he played both corner at safety at UConn). While he's learning the ropes as an NFL defensive back, Branch could earn his keep by returning kicks.

Branch did get himself in trouble as a sophomore when a pellet was fired out of a car he was driving and shattered the window of another vehicle being driven by a 55-year-old woman pulling out of a convenience store. A teammate was charged with pulling the trigger, suspensions were handed down by coach Randy Edsall, and all concerned apparently kept their noses clean thereafter.

This probably won't lower Branch's draft standing, but he will undoubtedly be asked about the incident in face-to-face conversations with scouts and general managers.

In 2007, Branch had 89 tackles, three of them for loss, broke up 10 passes and forced a fumble.
Prior to this past season, he had three interceptions and three sacks.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Darrell Laurant

Sorry, Darrell Laurant's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report