'My heart has been heavy': Derrick Nix speaks about Brian Battie's status
There hasn’t been much said in regards to Auburn running back Brian Battie’s health status following a shooting in Sarasota, Fla. in the early-morning hours of May 18.
Hugh Freeze has offered few words, saying they would honor the Battie family’s privacy.
“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,” Freeze said this week while in Destin.
Any degree of “better” would be welcomed news.
The Tampa Bay Times reported earlier this week that Battie faced the potential of “permanent paralysis.” Past that, that’s all we really know. Battie is fighting.
And then on Thursday night, Auburn running backs Derrick Nix spoke publicly about Battie’s status while at a speaking event in Mobile, Ala. He’s the first Auburn assistant to speak publicly (outside of social media) about Battie’s status and the situation as a whole.
“My heart has been heavy,” Nix told AL.com prior to an appearance at the Annual First Light Community of Mobile Football Preview and Mobile Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Mitchell Center. “Our team, our players, our heart has been heavy. What’s going on with Brian, we pray for him. We did today as a staff.
“I try to stay in constant communication with his parents and what’s going on. I actually got a chance to go and visit with him last week. It’s unfortunate, and we’re trying to do our best to stay positive about the situation.”
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According to court documents obtained by The Tampa Bay Times, “The other Battie brother (Brian) remains in critical condition, with the prognosis of permanent paralysis if he survives,” the pretrial detention order for alleged shooter Darryl Brookins says.
Battie was one of five victims of a shooting that took place near the Tallywood Centre Plaza in Sarasota.
Battie’s older brother, Tommie Battie IV, 24, was also among the victims and was killed in the shooting.
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Derrick Nix speaks about Auburn’s offense
While at the event, Nix also offered some words on Auburn’s offense, quarterback Payton Thorne, receiver Cam Coleman and more.
“I don’t want to put a cap on it,” Nix told AL.com when asked about Coleman’s potential. “I think you saw flashes of it. And I think that probably the greatest asset he has right now — he’s a humble kid. He has great humility for a guy being recruited like he was recruited, coming out of high school. Going through the spring and having some success, he’s probably harder on himself than the coaching staff is, and that’s what I love about him.”
From what he’s seen, Nix believes Thorne is stepping up to the plate in a big way heading into the summer.
“I think the quarterback, naturally at times, has to be that guy; he has to be an extension of the coaching staff,” Nix said. “He’s taking taking the bull by the horns, so to speak, and he’s trying to do that, football-wise. He’s doing a great job of managing and taking care of the football, making really better football decisions.”
And we know Freeze wants to establish the run in order to open up passing lanes in the RPO offense. Nix said yes, Auburn will run the ball. But with an experienced Thorne, the addition of Coleman, transfers Robert Lewis and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, freshman Perry Thompson and others, the Tigers should pose more of a threat passing the ball in 2024.
“You’ll probably see us put the ball in the air a little bit more,” Nix said. “I think though our calling card in the SEC has been being able to run the football. I think we have a strong offensive line coming back and I think we’ve got some veteran tailback. So that will always be a staple for us.”
