Arkansas OL Kobe Branham updates top five schools, weekend OV to SMU
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, and it is best to not line up across or in the same general vicinity as Kobe Branham. The formidable 2024 recruit steamrolled 7A Arkansas defenses throughout his junior campaign with Southside High School putting exclamation points on defenders play after play. The three-star guard has the offers wanted dropping a top five on April 22 with official visits already happening.
Because of his massive 6-foot, 6-inch, 320-pound, frame, Branham was asked, what’s the reaction you get from opposing defenders when you take the field on that first series of the game?
“It is a bunch of wows because of how big I am,” Branham stated. “Even in the handshake line I am asked how tall I am, and which schools have offered me.”
Preaching to the choir, Branham shared what he feels he does well once the ball is snapped.
“I finish well, and my run blocking is my strong point,” Branham said.
Reporting a 520-pound deadlift, 500 on squat, and a 385-pound bench press max, Branham is focused on his footwork and flexibility this offseason. College teams are coming by Branham’s Fort Smith campus to see everything for themselves.
“I’ve had UNLV come by last week, Ole Miss came by yesterday, and Arkansas is coming,” Branham stated. “Oklahoma State, A&M, and SMU came by last week.”
Branham spent part of his spring visiting his top five: Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, SMU, and Texas A&M. His official visits began at the end of April seeing Oklahoma State.
“That was my first official, it impressed me,” Branham shared. “The way they take care of people, it is great. I watched their spring practice, that was great.”
The bond with Cowboys’ offensive line coach Charlie Dickey is strong.
“Coach Dickey, their offensive line coach, tries to call or text every other day,” Branham said. “He is a great guy, and a good family person.”
The three-star recruit continued detailing what impressed him during the visit.
“Their facilities and the relationships with the people who live there,” Branham stated. “The players were great. We went bowling, they made you feel at home.”
This weekend Branham takes his next official visit to SMU. Branham shared what has him juiced for the weekend in Dallas.
“Coach (Garin) Justice (OL) is a great coach,” Branham said. “I am ready to talk football with him. I am pretty sure he came from (University of) Miami; the progress he puts people through, their production skyrockets.”
Being one of his top schools, Branham was asked what is important for him to experience during the paid for trip.
“I want to learn more about their academics,” Branham shared. “I know they have great academics, but I want to learn more. While I’m there, I want to see where I would be living, and I want to interact with the players. I want to know who I will be around if I got there.”
Branham updated his relationships with the other programs on his favorites list.
Arkansas: “Coach (Cody) Kennedy (OL) is a great coach and good guy. Coach Kennedy is down to earth. We don’t always talk about football, we talk about hunting, fishing, and he’ll ask, “did you get a deer?” It shows he cares about our relationship.”
Ole Miss: “Coach (John) Garrison (OL) is a great guy. We went down there a month ago, we talked football. I was comfortable being there. He is a great guy.”
Texas A&M: “Our relationship is great. Bobby Petrino (OC) came to my school last week; it shows his interest and that he cares. When I go there, I am treated great. They always try to see how you are doing. They are in touch with me every other day.”
Branham has set a commitment date of June 26. He was asked what will separate the one school over the others.
“Academics is a big one, my relationship with the coaches, what their future looks like, and what my future looks like; will I be playing early,” Branham said.
With the chance to complicate the process, TCU, Florida State, Florida, and Auburn have been showing interest in Branham but have not offered yet.