Battle happy to be a Hokie

SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Virginia Tech defensive line commitment Kwamaine Battle from Bailey (N.C.) Southern Nash, is very happy to be a Hokie.

"I live in the country," he said. "The school is out there and there are no big cities or nothing around it. The coaches and the players are like I am and I like to be around the same people who are like me."

He enjoyed following Virginia Tech's season.

"They went 10-2," he said. "And the games they did lose were to great teams. Their defense is the top-ranked defense in the nation and I am excited to be a part of that."

The 6-foot-1, 260-pounder is working at nose guard and as a "two" or "three" technique defensive tackle this week in preparation for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, which pits all-stars from the Tar Heel State against those from South Carolina. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College.

"I'm a little undersized right now," he said. "But that's an advantage because I can get quicker and lower than most of them."

Battle is hopeful of a victory this weekend.

"My expectations are to beat South Carolina, I know that," Battle said. "Also, I would like to get MVP on the defense for the game."

He's trying to soak in the new system during practice.

"Right now, practice is going good," he said. "I'm just trying to get in on everything."

Battle is a mid (5.6) three-star rated prospect at weakside defensive end by Rivals.com