HAMILTON, N.Y. – Former Colgate All-America running back Jamaal Branch has signed with the New Orleans Saints and was drafted by the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in the 17th round.
Branch, winner of the 2003 Walter Payton Award, given to the outstanding Division I-AA Player of the Year, finished his career as Colgate’s second all-time leading rusher with 4,108 yards and 48 touchdowns.
In 2003, he led the Raiders to the title game of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs while rushing for a school and NCAA Division I-AA record 2,326 yards. En route he broke the Division I-AA record for rushes in a season (450), most touchdowns scored by rushing in a season (29) and most games gaining 100 yards or more in a season (11) and most touchdowns scored in a season (29).
He was named to the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, The Sports Network, Football Gazette and CSTV All-America teams.
