Tag: Brian Battie

Six Tigers earn place on Phil Steele’s preseason All-SEC team

Jarquez Hunter and Nehemiah Pritchett headline Auburn’s representation in the preseason publication’s rankings.

As a program looking to get back to its traditional winning ways, Auburn will have plenty of tools to get them on the right track this season.

Phil Steele has dropped his selections for preseason All-SEC and has included six Tigers.

Steele’s list is headlined by running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and cornerback [autotag]Nehemiah Pritchett[/autotag]. Hunter is set to be the team’s premier back after serving two seasons as Tank Bigsby’s protege. As for Pritchett, he returns as one of the top defensive players for the Tigers.

Also included in the list are USF transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Cam Riley[/autotag], kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag], and punter [autotag]Oscar Chapman[/autotag].

Battie will be a part of a three-headed monster at running back alongside Hunter and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], but will also be a vital piece to Auburn’s return game. Cam Riley was the team’s second-leading tackler last season and looks to anchor the linebacking corps.

Oscar Chapman returns to Auburn for his third season as the team’s punter, while Alex McPherson takes over the kicking duties to become the first Auburn kicker not named “Carlson” to assume the role since 2014.

Here’s a deeper look at Auburn’s representatives on the preseason All-SEC team from Phil Steele.

Brian Battie named preseason All-American by Phil Steele

He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in 2021.

[autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] is one of Auburn’s most exciting newcomers for his ability to affect the game as a running back and a returner.

Battie was a consensus All-American in 2021 at kick returner after leading the country with three kick-return touchdowns and averaging 32.5 yards per return.

Phil Steele’s annual college football preview magazine is out and he thinks Battie will once again be one of the top returners in college football, naming him a third-team All-American in the all-purpose category.

He is more than just a returner though, he rushed for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns as USF’s top running back before entering the transfer portal and committing to Auburn.

The 5-foot-7, 170-pounder is expected to give Auburn a potent rushing attack with [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag]. Hunter was actually Auburn’s top kick returner with an average of 21.57 yards per return.

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Auburn is already benefiting from Hugh Freeze’s knack for recruiting

Despite only being on the job for seven months, Hugh Freeze has led Auburn to a top five spot in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings.

After dismissing [autotag]Brian Harsin[/autotag] in October of last year, Auburn hired [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in hopes that he would rebuild a program that had been steadily declining over the last two seasons.

He has yet to coach a game, but Freeze is already proving that he was the right choice due to his success on the recruiting trail. Auburn ended the 2023 recruiting cycle with the No. 18 class, and they did more damage within the transfer portal by landing the nation’s No. 3 overall class.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently broke down the top 10 transfer portal hauls of the 2023 cycle and has listed Auburn’s class as one of the most impressive in college football.

Crawford says that Freeze is proving his positive track record in recruiting already.

Auburn’s power brass knew of Hugh Freeze’s ability to recruit and he has made noise ahead of his first campaign. Freeze has convinced 11 four-star transfers to join him on The Plains ahead of the 2023 season, including several defensive linemen that will assist in Auburn’s all-new group of pass rushers. The Tigers landed a much-needed quarterback too in (Payton) Thorne, doing so after the two-week April window. A couple pass-catching additions will provide immediate assistance.

Crawford listed quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag], DL [autotag]Justin Rogers[/autotag], OL [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag], and WR [autotag]Caleb Burton[/autotag] as the “hot names” of Auburn’s transfer portal haul, but the Tigers reeled in several potential day-one starters in OL’s [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag] and [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag], LB [autotag]Larry Nixon III[/autotag], and RB [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag].

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Top ten: The best ten games of Brian Battie’s career at South Florida

Battie brings speed and experience with him to Auburn. Here’s a look at how he performed in big games as a USF Bull.

The transfer portal has been kind to Auburn, as they have been able to fill key needs by landing experienced talent.

After taking a look back at quarterback Payton Thorne’s top games as Michigan State’s signal caller, it is time now to view the history of another productive member of Auburn’s transfer haul, [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag].

Battie appeared in 31 games during his three-year career as a running back at South Florida, where he would rush for a total of 1,841 yards. His best season was in 2022 when he rushed for 1,185 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Also in 2022, he would rush for over 100 yards in seven games.

He was also a threat in the return game as well by racking up 1,427 yards on 52 kick returns. He also scored three touchdowns in 2021 on kick returns.

Battie will no doubt be an asset to the Auburn offense. Here’s a look at his best moments during his time as a South Florida Bull according to data from Pro Football Focus.

College Sports Wire includes Brian Battie in top running backs of college football list

Could Battie turn into one of the top backs in the Power Five?

With many new additions to the roster, plus a new coaching staff, it is hard to predict exactly how successful Auburn football will be in 2023.

What seems to be certain, however, is that the running back unit will be one of the best in the SEC or even the country.

The return of coach [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] will bring the most out of [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and USF transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], which will lead to another successful season of running the football.

The latter, who was a 1,000-yard rusher at USF last season, was listed as the fourth-best running back in the SEC by Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire last week. Now, in a new list, it seems that Conn sees a bright future for Battie.

In Conn’s top college football running backs list, he lists Battie as the No. 17 overall back.

Battie is a late addition to our rankings following the indefinite suspension of third-year running back Jarquez Hunter. Battie brings speed and big-play ability to the offense. Not to mention, he is a weapon as a kick returner. Provided that Hunter is suspended when the season kicks off, expect a healthy dose of Battie and Damari Alston.

Battie is listed within a good company, as Michigan‘s Blake Corum, Wisconsin‘s Braelon Allen, and Clemson‘s Will Shipley also made the cut.

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Brian Battie listed among top SEC running backs according to College Sports Wire

Battie had a breakout season with USF in 2022. Could he break his ceiling at Auburn?

There is plenty of shake-up within the Auburn offense, especially at the running back position.

Despite the departure of [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], Auburn is still solid in the running game as a pair of returners in [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] plan to boost their production in 2023. Mix that in with USF transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] and dark horse [autotag]Sean Jackson[/autotag], and Auburn is poised to become one of the SEC’s top rushing units.

The excitement of the running back room took a hit on Thursday with the news of suspensions being handed down by the University which allegedly involves Hunter.

No matter what comes of the situation, [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and company are set with a stable of talented backs that should fill the void. The next man up is Battie, and he slides in as one of the top running backs in the SEC says Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire.

Conn shared his top SEC running back rankings this week and has placed Battie in the No. 4 spot behind Montrell Johnson of Florida, Rocket Sanders of Arkansas, and Quinshon Judkins of Ole Miss. Conn says that Battie’s versatility is what makes him so special.

Battie is a late addition to our rankings following the indefinite suspension of third-year running back Jarquez Hunter. Battie brings speed and big-play ability to the offense. Not to mention, he is a weapon as a kick returner. Provided that Hunter is suspended when the season kicks off, expect a healthy dose of Battie and Damari Alston.

In three seasons at South Florida, Battie rushed for 1,841 yards and 10 touchdowns while building up an additional 1,427 returning yards and three scores. Last season was Battie’s break-out season as a running back. He led the Bulls in rushing with 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns.

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Auburn has a top 10 running back room according to On3

The Tigers should be able to lean on their running backs this season.

There are plenty of questions about Auburn’s roster entering [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]’s first season on the Plains but the running back room is one of the best in the country.

The Tigers return [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and are adding USF transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] as well as true freshman [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag], the No. 6 running back in last year’s class.

This depth and top-end talent caused On3’s Jesse Simonton to rank Auburn’s room as the 10th best in the country.

Hugh Freeze isn’t sure who Auburn’s QB will be this fall, but the Tigers, which will have a much improved OL this season, has three tailbacks who all averaged over 6.0 yards per carry in 2022 in Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston and South Florida transfer Brian Battie, who very quietly had close to 1,200 yards last season.

Hunter is entering his first season as Auburn’s lead back but has already proven what he can do. He ran for 675 yards and seven touchdowns on an impressive 6.5 yards per carry last season.

Battie was the No. 1 running back at USF before entering the portal, he rushed for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns of his own. A dynamic returner, he adds some big play potential and should be a factor in the return game as well.

Alston appeared in 12 games as a true freshman and showcased his ability in a limited role. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 14 touches.

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Jarquez Hunter listed as a breakout contender by Mike Farrell Sports

The staff at Mike Farrell Sports entertains the idea of Hunter being the SEC’s leading rusher in 2023.

[autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] has made a difference since arriving at Auburn for his freshman season in 2021. Making an instant impact in a backfield shared with [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] was a challenge, but Hunter answered by carrying for 593 yards and three touchdowns off of 89 carries.

The 2022 season was an even better year for the Philadelphia, Mississippi native as Hunter rushed for 675 yards and seven touchdowns off of 104 carries.

An article from Mike Farrell Sports written by Matt Perkins listed Hunter as the top bet for an SEC player to have a breakout season.

“The departure of Tank Bigsby, coupled with the offensive system brought in by [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag], make Hunter a big-time breakout candidate in 2023. Retaining [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] on the coaching staff will also be a blessing for Hunter, who has a really good chance to lead the SEC in rushing.”

Hunter will be taking on a bigger role for the Tigers in 2023 as he is expected to be the lead running back and take the most carries. Sophomore [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], South Florida transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], and incoming freshman [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] will also have roles in the rebuilt offense that will feature an improved offensive line unit up front.

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How will Jeremiah Cobb be used in Auburn’s offense this season?

Cobb did not go through spring practice with the Tigers, but could very well play a role in Auburn’s offense this upcoming season.

After watching A-Day last Saturday, it has become clear that the running back position will be Auburn’s strongest unit heading into the 2023 season.

[autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] is expected to be the bell cow of the group, with [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] showing signs of positivity on Saturday. Two more backs, [autotag]Sean Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Jones[/autotag], also threw their hat into contention to grab solid carries after ending the game as Auburn’s leading rushers.

With a group this stacked, that leaves one question to be answered… “what role will [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] have in the Auburn offense this season?”

Cobb, a four-star running back from Montgomery, did not compete in spring drills as he is set to graduate from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in May. Cobb was one of Auburn’s first commits of the 2023 cycle and has remained loyal to the Tigers throughout his recruitment. He brings a reputable resume with him to the Plains by rushing for over 6,500 yards and 75 touchdowns during his high school campaign.

His credentials are telling, but will he see the field as a freshman? Running backs coach Cadillac Williams answered that question prior to A-Day by saying that the ball is in Cobb’s court.

“If Jeremiah Cobb comes in here and he’s the best out there on the field, then he is going to be on the field. I’m a firm believer − my guys know − that I am fair. … Coach (Hugh) Freeze, (offensive coordinator Philip) Montgomery and myself, we’re going to do what’s best for the team. If we feel like a freshman or whoever is the best player out there, then (they play). That is what I am a believer in. I’m honest with my guys. They’re going to create their roles on this team. … I always challenge my guys: Let’s be a realist, man. Film don’t lie. So, again, Jeremiah Cobb will come into this thing and he will have ample opportunity to prove what he can do.”

Cobb is the third-highest-rated signee of the 2023 cycle from Auburn, trailing Keldric Faulk and Kayin Lee. Cobb signed with Auburn as the No. 16 recruit from the state of Alabama, and the No. 11 running back in the country according to 247Sports.

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Hugh Freeze has high praise for Jarquez Hunter

Freeze has coached many talented players over the years, but Jarquez Hunter is leading the pack in one category.

[autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] has coached many talented quarterbacks, as well as plenty of NFL-caliber receivers in his ten years as a head coach at the FBS level.

However, one of the best players he has ever coached currently graces the Auburn roster.

When speaking to the media on Monday, Freeze gave running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] an admirable title despite having yet to coach him in a game.

“I think Jarquez is special; I do,” Freeze said. “I think he’s probably the best running back I’ve ever coached, truthfully.”

That is a high honor coming from a coach known for producing explosive offenses. Not only is Freeze impressed by Hunter’s athletic ability, but he admires his work ethic and the way that he carries himself.

“I think Jarquez (Hunter) is the best that I’ve coached thus far,” Freeze said. “(I’m) excited about his demeanor and the way he goes about his work. He keeps his mouth shut and just goes to work.”

Although Auburn’s first game against an actual opponent is still over four months away, Freeze could have his best running back room in his college career this season.

In his time as a head coach, Freeze has only produced one 1,000-yard rusher, which happened in 2019 when Frankie Hickson rushed for 1,041 yards in Freeze’s first season at Liberty. Before that, Freeze’s leading rusher was Akeem Judd at Ole Miss, who rushed for 826 yards and six touchdowns during the 2016 season.

Hunter and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], as well as the addition of [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag] could produce Freeze’s best rushing season to date if worked appropriately. [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] could factor into the rotation, which gives Auburn plenty of options to choose from.

Auburn fans will get a first look at the new-look team under Hugh Freeze this Saturday at 1 p.m. CT when the annual A-Day game kicks off at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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