EVANSVILLE — Branson Combs has a clear goal at this stage of his football career.
Such a mindset comes with experience and age. Gone are the days of stressing Southern Indiana Athletic Conference opponents at Enlow Field. He’s now a sixth-year college athlete, if you can believe that, spending the entirety thus far at the Football Championship Subdivision level.
Yet, Combs wanted to prove something for his final year. It’s why he’s taking a chance on himself this fall.
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The Memorial High School graduate embarks on his last college football season at Wake Forest. Combs had one directive when choosing the location back in December: Compete against the best teams possible.
“I wanted to play at the Power 4 level,” he said. “Just to prove to myself I can play with anybody and give me the best chance to play at the NFL level.”
How did Combs reach a point to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference? Talent and perseverance.
The senior was one of the top players in Indiana during his final two years at Memorial. A two-time IFCA Top 50 selection who played both sides of the ball. Combs holds the school record in all major receiving categories – he caught 75 passes for 1,517 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2018 – and ranks fifth all-time in state history for receiving yards. The Tigers advanced to the Class 3A state championship twice with Combs including a victory over Brebeuf in 2017.
Next came five years at Southern Illinois and patience. Following a redshirt, Combs played the shortened 2020 season at wide receiver before switching to defense. He developed into one of the top linebackers in the Missouri Valley Conference, a two-time all-conference selection, and a key starter on successful teams.
Combs registered a career-high 85 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions last fall. The Salukis lost at Idaho in overtime in the second round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
“I loved my time at SIU,” said Combs. “That was the toughest part. They were understanding of what my perspective was. I wanted to play at the Power 4 level. There is a lot of great people there and made a lot of great relationships.”
The Memorial graduate chose Wake Forest as his final stop for multiple reasons. Power Four conference and the chance to see the field against quality competition? He committed less than a week after entering the portal. Combs enrolled in January and is expected to be a high-impact linebacker for the Demon Deacons.
Wake Forest went 4-8 last fall and will open the season against North Carolina A&T on Aug. 29.
“The program has been awesome and has everything I would have wanted in the move,” said Combs. “It’s enjoyable to be around everybody every day. It’s good football. I get to play in the ACC and compete with a lot of good teams.”
He’s anticipated some adjustment to the FBS level with bigger and faster opponents. On Wake Forest’s schedule this fall include Ole Miss, Clemson, North Carolina and Miami. Ultimately, he noted it’s still football regardless of the level. Some of the best FCS teams consistently defeat FBS programs.
The goal this season remains the same. Show he can compete at the highest level of college football.
“It’s football,” said Combs. “That’s been my mindset going in. I don’t really have specific stats or anything to hit. I want to play the best I can and put on good film. At the end of the day, I want to win football games. That’s the top priority.”
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Branson Combs finishing college football career at Wake Forest
