Quantcast
OVERALL

0-0

PCT

0

CONF.

0-0

PCT

0

STREAK

W0

HOME

0-0

AWAY

0-0

NEUTRAL

0-0

Recruitment for Gryphons’ Battle heats up

Posted On: Monday, June 26, 2017
By: Student Assistant

121816RMHfb-ShyBattleTD.jpg

 

By PATRICK MASON
Sports Writer

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Better hurry, because there’s only one.

Shyheim Battle is in season.

The Rocky Mount High sophomore’s latest offer to play football for Duke figures to be just the first of more to come. Battle received the news during a weightlifting class at school when football coach Jason Battle told the young defensive back of the offer.

It comes on the heels of a busy first two seasons for the talented defender. Shyheim Battle has been to three camps, including one held by Rivals, a USA Camp, and a prospect camp at Duke.

Duke saw game film and has been recruiting him heavily since it first saw tape of the wiry corner. The Blue Devils put him through drills, including a 40-yard dash, footwork sessions and 1-on-1 work.

“I always wanted to play in college,” Battle said. “It’s been a dream of mine. I know that’s the next step to going pro.”

The sophomore said he was happy that Duke offered, not only for football reasons, but because of the academic standards required to attend the university. It shows other potential programs that he can hold his own on the field as well as in the classroom.

“I got a few other schools call me right after they saw that Duke offer,” Battle said. “It’s good to see. My father told me to stay out of trouble and to stay away from being caught up in the wrong crowds because all of this is heading in the right direction.”

Battle has visits planned for East Carolina this weekend, followed by Duke rival North Carolina on Tuesday, before closing out the week with a two-day trip to South Carolina.

So far, at least six schools have showed interest. And with two full high school seasons left to play, Battle knows he’ll be facing more pressure to perform while programs flock to get eyes on a potential star athlete.

He has received advice from former teammate Sherrod Greene, who will be on the South Carolina roster next season. Greene knows what it was like to play with recruiters in his ear, and the fan bases of college programs lighting up his social media accounts.

“Sherrod told me to stay focused,” Battle said. “He said that there’s going to be more schools talking to me, and not to get caught up in it. Some schools will offer you just because another will offer.

“I just have to play my game and not worry about who’s watching.”

Battle had 36 tackles and a pair of interceptions last season for the Gryphons. He broke up five passes and often defended the opposing team’s top receiving option. Battle was a luxury the Gryphons could depend on whenever a pass-heavy team appeared on the schedule

At 6-feet, 2 inches, Battle is an ideal size for a defender. He said he has been working on staying low to the ground to help maintain leverage, a task he has honed at camps.

“I feel like that more people will be looking at me now,” Battle said. “It’s been crazy so far.”

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google +
  • email
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
Processing your request, Please wait....

Alerts

     

    Please log in to vote

    You need to log in to vote. If you already had an account, you may log in here

    Alternatively, if you do not have an account yet you can create one here.