FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2002
PATRIOTS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF SECOND-ROUND DRAFT CHOICE DEION BRANCH
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The New England Patriots announced the signing of wide receiver Deion Branch today. He is the sixth and final member of the 2002 draft class to come to terms with the team. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Branch, who celebrated his 23rd birthday last week, was drafted by the Patriots in the second round with the 65th selection overall. The 5-foot-9-inch, 193-pound product finished his collegiate career at Louisville, after two seasons at Jones County JC. While at Louisville, he started every game totaling 143 receptions for 2,204 yards and 18 touchdowns in just two years. He finished his collegiate career starting all 44 games and compiling 249 receptions for 3,855 yards and 32 touchdowns. Over the past three seasons, he averaged over 70 receptions, eclipsing the 1,000-yard plateau and scoring nine touchdowns each year. In 2001, he recorded career highs with 72 receptions for 1,188 yards.
