BREAKING: Auburn RB key man Injured In Shooting
Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting early Saturday morning, as first reported by Brian Stultz from Rivals’ Auburn site. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Battie was among the victims. Auburn team representatives later verified his condition, and as of the article’s publication, Battie is in critical condition. The shooting resulted in one fatality, with an unconfirmed number of additional victims. All the victims, including Battie, are receiving treatment at various undisclosed hospitals. According to WFLA’s Nathaniel Rodriguez, the sheriff’s office stated that the shooting took place at 3:30 a.m. on the 3400 block of 17th Street and is believed to be an isolated incident. No motive has been reported, and there is no suspect in custody at this time.
Auburn Running Back Brian Battie Injured in Shooting
Brian Battie at Auburn
Brian Battie joined Auburn last season after transferring from South Florida, where he spent his first three seasons. In 2022, he rushed for 1,186 yards, scored eight touchdowns, and averaged 6.7 yards per carry. His rushing yardage ranked in the top five of the American Athletic Conference, which was notable given South Florida’s single win that season.
Battie also excelled as a kick returner, amassing over 600 yards in both 2021 and 2022, and returning three kicks for touchdowns in 2021, including one for 100 yards.
In his debut season at Auburn, Battie shared the backfield with Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston, contributing to the team’s total of 2,457 rushing yards. He personally rushed for 227 yards and one touchdown in 2023, helping Auburn finish fourth in the SEC. Despite considering the transfer portal, Battie decided to stay with the Tigers. With Battie, Hunter, Alston, and emerging talent Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn boasts one of the strongest running back groups in the SEC.
Battie hails from Sarasota, Florida. Last Word on College Football will provide updates as more information becomes available.