2009 (Redshirt): Only played in four games due to injuries...Hit .353 with two homers, five RBI and four runs in those contests...In first start of the year, fell a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, a double and his first-career homer vs. Monmouth (March 8)...Crushed a two-run homer against USF (March 11)...Posted a pair of hits with a run scored vs. Hartford (March 13).
2008 (Freshman): Named to the C-USA Commissioner[apos]s Academic Honor Roll...Played in 26 games with three starts...Notched three hits, four RBI, two walks and one stolen base...Saw time at shortstop on opening day vs. FAMU (Feb. 22)...Laid down a sac bunt as a pinch-hitter in the 16th inning vs. Monmouth (March 9), which set up the game-winning run...Walked against Wagner (March 17)...Notched first collegiate hit, RBI and stolen base in the ninth inning vs. ECU (March 30)...Racked up two RBI on a single vs. USF (April 1)...Made first collegiate start vs. FGCU (April 2), batting eighth and playing third base...Started at third at USF (April 29), and went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
High School: Drafted in the 34th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins...Attended Newsome High School, lettering four years for coach Chad Haschel...Hit .440 with two homers and 26 RBI during senior year en route to being named second team all-state...Also earned second-team All-Suncoast honors...Selected to the All-Hillsborough County First Team...Earned a spot on the All-Western Conference First Team final two seasons...As a junior, batted .362 with 13 stolen bases, and named honorable mention all-state...Participated in three invitation-only showcases sponsored by MLB.
Personal: Born in Binghamton, N.Y....Son of Michael and Susan Branca...Has two brothers, Nicholas and Daniel...Father played baseball at Cornell University...A criminal justice major with a minor in interpersonal communication.