DB Has First Officials Set

Deante “Playboy” Battle is one of the top athletes in the country, and he has the ability to play several positions. His skills, athletic ability, and production have helped him pick up a lot of offers as he heads into his final year in high school.

“I’ve already got 14 offers I think, and I expect to get a lot more than that when I keep getting better this year,” the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Battle said. “This year I’m going to play mostly cornerback, because that’s where almost everyone except Vanderbilt is recruiting me, and it’s my best position. But I’ll play running back and maybe some receiver too.”

Last Friday, Battle’s Fayetteville (Ga.) Starr’s Mill team took the field and started off the year on a high note, winning 20-7.

“I played pretty good. I didn’t see many plays come to my side when I was on defense, and I had a rushing touchdown on offense. It wasn’t one of my best games, but overall I think my team and I played well.”

Battle’s top five consists of Colorado, Notre Dame, Stanford, Virginia Tech, and Virginia. Each school has offered, and apparently Colorado is recruiting him the hardest. The Buffaloes are after a lot of players in the region, and their efforts seem to be having a positive effect.

Last year Battle made 77 tackles, broke up 15 passes, forced three fumbles and recovered four. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, and bench presses over 300 pounds.

“I’ve already scheduled official visits to Stanford, Notre Dame, and Colorado. I’m going to take all five before I make my final decision. I think our team has the potential to be really good this year, so I want to concentrate on my senior year first and foremost.”

The only date Battle was sure of was an official visit to Colorado on Oct. 25.