Andre Branch Class: RS Sophomore Hometown: Richmond, VA High School: Varina Height / Weight: 6-5 / 265 Position: DE Experience: 1VL Major: Sociology

Branch Fact: Played a career-high 36 snaps in the 2008 season-opener against #24 Alabama.
Years Lettered: 2008
Depth Chart Position: Second-team defensive end

Overview: Reserve defensive end throughout the 2008 campaign as a red-shirt freshman; he showed great improvement during the 2009 spring practice and is in the mix at defensive end...will give the Tigers outstanding depth in 2009; it might be the deepest position on the entire team...had three tackles in the 2009 Spring Game...has continued to improve his strength in the weightroom.

2008: Did not start a game, but he averaged 20 snaps in each of his seven contests...had nine of his 11 tackles within the first four games...played a season-high 36 snaps and had two first hits against #24 Alabama...had a tackle for loss in 29 snaps against The Citadel...had a season-high four tackles in 17 snaps against S.C. State...did not play in five consecutive games, then played each of the last three regular-season contests...had two tackles in eight snaps against Duke...did not register a tackle but played 18 snaps and made a contribution when Clemson held Virginia to just three points in a 13-3 victory on the road.

2007: Red-shirted.

Before Clemson: Played tight end and outside linebacker at Varina High School for Head Coach Gary Chilcoat...#47 prospect in Virginia according to Rivals.com...had 62 tackles and seven tackles for loss during his senior season...had three sacks, two recovered fumbles, and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 14-yard touchdown, as a senior...all-district and second-team all-region as a senior...two-year starter who helped Varina High to an 11-2 record as a senior and 9-1 ledger as a junior...averaged 12 points and nine rebounds on the hardwood as a senior...two-year starter in football and basketball as a power forward; he was all-district, averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks per game as a senior...recruited by Chris Rumph...chose Clemson over Florida State, N.C. State, and West Virginia...born Jul. 14, 1989...majoring in sociology.