Alan Branch

Alan Keith Branch (born December 29, 1984) is an American football defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. He attended the University of Michigan.

Early years
Branch attended Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to playing on the defensive line, Branch also played tight end as well as running back and punt returner in high school. He scored 3 rushing touchdowns and 2 receiving touchdowns in his senior season and 5 punt return touchdowns for his career.

Branch was a fairly highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, ranked as high as #6 nationally among defensive tackles.

Branch was also a three year starter on the varsity basketball team, earning all-district honors as a sophomore and was second team all-state as a junior.

Awards

 * Selected to play in 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl
 * Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico
 * All-State as a junior and senior

College career
Branch, along with fellow defensive all-star LaMarr Woodley, anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2006. He had 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 35 career games at Michigan. He had his first interception and a fumble recovery against Ohio State on November 18, 2006. Branch played both defensive tackle and defensive end at Michigan.


 * 2006 ESPN.com All-American Team
 * 2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media)

Professional career
Branch was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. The Cardinals acquired the pick from the Oakland Raiders.