Althoff Catholic’s team is loaded with talent this year. Senior MLB Chris Branson is one of the leaders of their defense, yet is still looking for his first offer. We talked his second to none work ethic, his positive and forward thinking mindset as well as schools he’s kept in touch with.

You can find Chris on Twitter @Grindtime_kid50.

Chris Branson

Middle Linebacker
Althoff Catholic
Belleville, IL

Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 210 lbs
Class: 2017

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: On or off the practice field, what have you been doing to take your game to the next level?

CB: Well, I’m a firm believer in getting out what you put in. Abiding by this rule of thumb, I constantly put in extra hours outside of practices and weight sessions. I condition by keeping my cardio in workouts throughout the week, and I hit the gym; even during our 2-a-days over the summer.

LPI: Do you consider yourself a leader? How do you show leadership on or off the field?

CB: I view myself as a leader of my team on and off the field. Being a middle linebacker, I call my defense and I also step up and take full responsibility for any mishaps that may happen. Off the field, I keep my brothers in check by making sure they stay on the right path to success, while also maintaining strong relationships with them.

LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are hungry to play at the next level. What are your greatest strengths or what can you bring to the table for a college football program?

CB: I feel my attitude is my best attribute that I can bring to any program. Being a leader, I also know how to follow others authority and learning my role, until I need to step up and take the wheel. My biggest physical strength is my ability to be a playmaker. I find myself being able to read offenses and make adjustments on the fly very easily.

LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most? Or which schools have shown interest in you?

CB: Northwestern Missouri State and Missouri Western have been the schools that have been in contact with me the most. I just know if I keep my head on straight my time will come when it’s time to make a final decision. With any (D-1,D-2)

LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?

CB: Northwestern was my most recent visit. I currently do not have any visits on my schedule but business is being discussed in the background.

LPI: You guys are 11-0 and are rolling. The high powered Rochester offense is up next. Without giving away too much, what are you guys going to do this weekend and the rest of the season to get back to Champaign?

CB: From my freshman year, it has always been known that we have a very talented, yet somewhat goofy group of guys in my class. Once playoffs started, however, a switch turned on in our heads and we instantaneously cleared our minds of all things that weren’t school and football related. This week has been our most serious week when it comes to focus all year long. We have been compared to them too often and it will be proved this weekend.