Colgate back Branch tops Division I-AA All-Americans

All of Jamaal Branch’s records made him an All-American.

Colgate’s running back led the Associated Press’ I-AA All-America team Wednesday after setting NCAA season marks for yards rushing, touchdowns and carries.

Branch has 430 carries for 2,271 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Raiders (15-0) into the Division I-AA championship game Friday night against Delaware (14-1).

“Jamaal had a fabulous year,” Colgate coach Dick Biddle said. “I don’t know what else I can say about him. He just had an incredible year. He’s a workhorse and is one of the big reasons why we’re 15-0. He’s a very unselfish type of player and doesn’t like the limelight.”

Branch, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the top player in Division I-AA, is joined on the team by one of his offensive linemen, Marc Sclafani.

Delaware put three players on the first team, including Walter Payton finalist Andy Hall, who threw for 2,581 yards and 23 touchdowns.

“We’re so excited for Andy Hall,” Blue Hens coach K.C. Keeler said. “He flat-out might be the best player in the country. He’s very deserving of being a first-team All-American.”

Hall is joined by offensive lineman Jason Nerys and defensive lineman Shawn Johnson.

Grambling State quarterback Bruce Eugene, the third finalist for the Payton award, made the second team, and Southern’s Quincy Richard was the third-team QB.

Three other teams had multiple selections on the 25-man roster. Offensive lineman Eric Deutsch and defensive back Matt Nelson represented Wofford; all-purpose player Corey Smith and defensive back Kane Ioane were chosen from Montana State; and offensive lineman Dwight Hudler and linebacker Roderick Royal were picked from McNeese State.

Royal was the only repeat choice on the first team.

Joining Branch at running back was Tennessee State’s Charles Anthony, who ran for 1,708 yards and 13 touchdowns.