Hugh Freeze provides update on Brian Battie's recovery after being shot

Auburn running back Brian Battie is making good progress after suffering injuries as a result of a shooting, coach Hugh Freeze revealed Tuesday. With Battie still recovering in the hospital, Freeze briefly addressed his status at the SEC spring meetings in Destin.

“He’s getting better,” Freeze said according to Richard Silvia of the Montgomery Adviser. “Honor the family, I don’t want to go into too many things. But they appreciate all the prayers, for sure. It’s been a difficult time for the whole family, but he seems to be getting better each day.”

The shooting occurred a little more than a week ago in Battie’s hometown of Sarasota, Florida. His brother, Tommie Battie IV, was pronounced dead at the scene and four others were injured.

Brian Battie is gearing up for his second season at Auburn after transferring from USF. Last year, he served as the Tigers’ primary kickoff returner, totaling 645 return yards on 28 attempts as a junior. As part of the running game, Battie ran for 227 yards and a touchdown while adding 52 receiving yards in the passing game.

Battie spent three years at USF before arriving at Auburn and turned in his best season in 2022. He was the Bulls’ leading rusher with 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns, and he got involved in the passing game with 14 receptions for 91 yards.

Battie played high school football at Sarasota High School (Fla.), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,590 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Man who shot Brian Battie, others surrenders to police

According to WWSB in Sarasota, a person has turned himself in to police regarding the shooting of Auburn running back Brian Battie. The man has been identified as Darryl Brookings, with his lawyer confirming the news.

No specific charges have been placed on Brooking yet. Additionally, investigators are still working to see if there was a motive.

“A person has turned himself in to authorities in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of a former Braden River football player and injured his brother, a current Auburn football player,” the report from WWSB said.

“Darryl Brookins has turned himself into Sarasota County deputies, his attorney confirms to ABC7.”

Tommie Battie IV, who is Brian’s brother, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday. The incident occurred in Sarasota around 3:30 a.m. local time at the Tallywood Centre Plaza. Both of them are originally from Sarasota, attending Sarasota High School and Brian graduating in 2020.