The D.C. Defenders signed offensive lineman Johari Branch on Monday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Johari Branch is six foot three and weighs 330 pounds. The 26-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, signed with the Massachusetts Pirates (IFL) on May 17, 2024.
In 2024, Branch played seven games. Massachusetts averaged 41.26 points per game, 84.4 rushing yards per game, 135.37 passing yards per game, 219.8 total yards per game, 108 touchdowns, and allowed 11 sacks finishing 10-9 for the season appearing in the IFL National Championship Game against the Arizona Rattlers. Branch was named the IFL All-Rookie Team and All-IFL Second Team.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Branch as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he played three preseason games. The Chargers released him on August 29, 2023.
Collegiately, Branch played two seasons at Eastern Illinois (2017-18) playing left guard in 10 games. In 2018, Eastern Illinois averaged 32.5 points per game, 136.5 rushing yards per game, 309.3 passing yards per game, 445.7 total yards per game, 44 touchdowns, and allowed 22 sacks finishing 3-8 for the season.
Next, he transferred to Independence Community College in 2019 playing left guard in four games. Independence averaged 38.1 points per game, 251.3 rushing yards per game, 175.1 passing yards per game, 426.4 total yards per game, 45 touchdowns, and allowed 16 sacks finishing 8-2 for the season winning the Jayhawk Championship.
Then, he transferred to Maryland (2020-22) playing left guard and right guard in 30 games for the Terrapins. In 2022, Maryland averaged 28.15 points per game, 141.3 rushing yards per game, 259.85 passing yards per game, 401.2 total yards per game, 44 touchdowns, and allowed 43 sacks finishing 8-5 for the season beating N.C. State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
