Throwback Thursday – Now that the Illini have reported to Fall football camp, did you wonder who the first Gamma Zeta Illini football player was?… well you came to the right place – James M. Branch, a 5’11” 178lb end from Seymour, IN. He lettered in 1894, 1895 and 1896. I think that he was Gamma Zeta’s first I Man too. He’s pictured with the 1895 Illini team, second row, third from left.