Brian Battie, All-American returner and 1,000-yard rusher at USF, announces SEC commitment
Brian Battie is headed to The Plains after 3 seasons at USF. Battie has committed to Auburn to continue his college football career.
Battie shared the big news on social media.
Thankful for everything coming my way it’s time to get to work?? #WDE @AuburnFootball pic.twitter.com/wGKmF0q5od
— Brian Battie ?? (@battie941) January 9, 2023
Battie has played in 31 games over 3 seasons at USF, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 24.2 yards per kick return. The 2020 season does not count against his eligibility with the NCAA’s COVID-19 blanket waiver.
In 2021, Battie earned All-America recognition as a return specialist. He led the nation with 3 kickoff returns for touchdowns and tied an NCAA game record with 2 100-yard returns in the same game and broke the Bulls’ season return average record. Battie finished 2021 with 20 returns for 650 yards and 3 touchdowns to go with 58 rushes for 324 yards and a TD along with 7 receptions for 67 yards.
In 2022, Battie shined as a running back, logging 176 carries for 1,186 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also had 33 returns for 659 yards and 14 catches for 91 yards.
Battie is the 9th player to join Hugh Freeze’s Auburn program from the transfer portal.
I hate to quote Gus but,,,,, Boom!!!
Hugh Freeze has done more in one month than Harsin, Malzahn, and Chizik did in the last 15 years. War Eagle!
Doing a little research, not sure there has ever been an All American in the portal.
Given that Jordan Addison wont he Biletnikoff, I’d imagine he was an All American.
Amazing pickup. Should make a prefect replacement for Hunter on returns, if not an upgrade. At least I hope that’s the plan. You gotta figure Hunter will be the lead back and you don’t want him returning kicks.
I don’t think he’s big enough to be an every down back, but he can certainly take over the return duties for Hunter and will be another weapon on offense.