Scarlet Knighted: Riverside’s Tavian Branch Commits to Rutgers
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | June 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
TAYLOR, PA – One of Pennsylvania’s most dominant trench talents is Big Ten bound.
Tavian Branch, the 6-foot-4, 285-pound 3-star defensive lineman out of Riverside Jr-Sr High School in Taylor, PA, officially committed to Rutgers University on Wednesday morning, choosing the Scarlet Knights over final contenders Alabama, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Penn State.
Branch cited Rutgers’ culture and the way the coaching staff made him feel like family as key reasons for his decision — noting that beyond the facilities and football, it felt like home.
Strength-Fueled Rise
Widely regarded as the #1-ranked powerlifter in Pennsylvania for his Class, Branch has forged his path through relentless work and elite strength. His verified athletic marks include a 4.95 40-yard dash, 9-foot broad jump, 23 bench reps at 225, and a 450-pound squat max.
Branch earned 24 Division I offers, climbing the national rankings throughout his junior year and offseason camp circuit. Rutgers now adds a cornerstone to its defensive future.
Wrecking Crew Leader
Branch was a two-way force for a Riverside team that finished 13-2, won the District 2 Class 2A title, and reached the PIAA state semifinals in 2024.
Defensive Highlights:
- 66 total tackles
- 27 tackles-for-loss
- 10.5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 20 QB hurries
He earned top defensive lineman honors in Lackawanna County via the Hookey Reap Awards and drew consistent double-teams throughout the postseason.
Senior Year Incoming
Now with his recruitment settled, Branch enters his senior year at Riverside with full focus on finishing strong. With several key returners and championship experience, the Vikings are expected to be among the top contenders again in 2025.
Stay tuned for full Commitment Day coverage — and be on the lookout for our Sportzwire Spotlight, a behind-the-scenes exclusive with Tavian Branch in the days leading up to his decision.
Follow @sportzwire and visit www.sportzwire.com for commitment photos, interviews, and coverage straight from Taylor, PA.
