ATHENS — As Georgia wrapped up its spring recreation, Kirby Smart shared a ultimate message to his workforce.
“Be safe tonight. And be smart,” Smart told DJ Shockley on the broadcast following the game. “Be your brother’s keeper and take care of each other.”
It would appear former Georgia large receiver Zachariah Branch didn’t heed that recommendation.
The former Georgia large receiver, who hopes to listen to his identify known as in this week’s NFL draft, was arrested on Sunday on one cost of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and one cost of obstruction of a legislation enforcement official. Both are misdemeanors.
Per the Athens Clarke County Arrest log, Branch was booked at 1:26 a.m. on Sunday, April 19 and launched on $39 bond at 3:44 a.m. ET.
Branch spent the 2025 season in Athens after transferring in from USC. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards, setting a faculty file for receptions in a season with 81 final yr.
Georgia declined to remark on Branch, which is typical, as he’s a former participant of this system. Branch was in attendance for Georgia’s G-Day scrimmage on Saturday, as he was seen signing autographs for followers all through the afternoon.
A full police report of the incident has not but been launched.
Branch had been projected as a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is about to start on Thursday. Branch’s brother Zion is a security for Georgia’s workforce. He had two tackles in the spring scrimmage.
“He met a lot to learn our system and learn our terminology,” Smart mentioned of Branch throughout Georgia’s Pro Day. “He’s a football junkie. There’s not a day I’ll leave the office that he’s not down there catching balls, running routes, doing extra. He loves football, and that’s what one of the number one qualities for being a good pro is, is do you love it?”
