Hugh Freeze says Brian Battie suffered 'setback' in recovery from gunshot wound

Auburn running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital and has been in critical condition since. On Monday, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze provided an unfortunate update on Battie’s situation.

“Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie,” Freeze wrote on X. “There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator.”

Sarasota police responded to a shooting in the 3400 block of 17th St. Saturday, according to WSSB-TV. One person was killed and others were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Police said they responded to the Tallywood Centre Plaza at approx. 3:30 a.m. local time and Tommie Battie IV – Brian Battie’s brother – was pronounced dead at the scene. Three additional victims were transported to local hospitals in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Police did not confirm the identities of the other victims.

Battie, a Sarasota native, 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’s biggest game at running back came in Week 11 against Arkansas. In the Tigers’ 48-10 win over the Razorbacks, he recorded a season-high seven carries for 42 yards and a touchdown.

More on Brian Battie’s career at USF, Auburn

After the 2023 season, Battie announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer. He later withdrew, though, with plans to return to Auburn and hopes of a breakout season after sitting behind Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston on the depth chart.

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.

In 2021, as a kick returner, Battie won All-American honors as he ran back three touchdowns as he totaled 650 return yards as a sophomore. He followed that up with a career-high 33 returns for 659 yards in his final season at USF in 2022.

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.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this story.