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#20Strong: Braden River RB Brian Battie Verbally Commits to USF Football

That’s three 2020 verbals for the Bulls in five days.

By Nick Simon and Will Turner
Will Turner/Daily Stampede

The 2020 USF football recruiting class is starting to pick up steam in the wake of spring practice as Braden River running back Brian Battie announced his verbal pledge to the Bulls on Wednesday.

The Bradenton product becomes the third verbal for Charlie Strong and staff since Saturday’s spring game and the second Bay area talent to commit to the class after Tampa Gaither LB Chance Coleman.

RB Brian Battie

5’8”, 170 pounds

Braden River High School, Bradenton, FL

Recruiting Rankings (for now): Two-star by Rivals.

Other Notable Offers: Kansas State, Cincinnati, UConn, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State.

Bradenton/Sarasota Area Recruiter: Justin Burke

Scorching the field for over 1,200 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore at Sarasota in 2017, Battie transferred back to Braden River last fall where he did even more damage.

Leading the Pirates to the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs, the #BayMade athlete totaled 2,133 rushing yards on 249 carries (8.6 ypc) with nine 100+ yard games and 28 TD’s as a junior. Only Venice’s Brandon Gregory had more trips to the endzone in all of Sarasota or Manatee Counties with 29.

Also, check out this ridiculous catch.

Here’s how our own Will Turner described him:

“He’s a bigger Johnny Ford. Quick, but he’s got a lot of power to his game.”

The potential for having him, Ford and Kelley Joiner Jr. sharing a backfield/out in the slot in a few years is definitely an exciting thing to think about.

TDS reached out to Battie and asked him some questions about his commitment.

TDS: What sold you on USF?

Battie: They’re close to home. They showed that they really wanted me and have big things planned for me.

TDS: What’s your best asset on the field, what’s your 40 time?

Battie: My speed and vision. I ran a laser 4.49 40-yard dash at the Nike Opening.

Battie also said the coaching staff sees him as a running back in college and he has tried to mold his game like former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, who retired at least three years before Battie was born. Who says these kids don’t care about the past?

2020 Verbal Commits