Wolfpack and Tigers in a Battle for top North Carolina defender

Battle works out at Clemson's camp in June

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Jul 14 08:01:03 GMT-04:00 2018

Clemson versus NC State football games always hard-fought and seemingly down to the wire. The two schools are in a similar battle for one of the Tar Heel state’s best defensive backs.

Four-star cornerback Shyheim Battle out of Rocky Mount (NC) recently announced a decision date of December 15th and it’s no surprise that the Tigers and the Wolfpack continue to lead the way for his services.

“Right now, I am keeping everything where it is as far as my favorites,” Battle told TigerNet. “NC State and Clemson are tied at one. I have Tennessee third right now, North Carolina at four and Virginia Tech at five.”

What keeps NC State at the top?

“At NC State, I feel like have a good connection with all of the coaches there. Coach (Dave) Doeren feels like I am a big need for the team in this class,” Battle said. “He feels like I can come in and make a name for myself. They feel like I can really come in as a true freshman and play if I can put the work in. They don't really have a lot of big corners like me, so that would be a big advantage for me. Every time I go up there they all treat me with respect and the whole staff talks to me. They feel like I can come in and contribute a lot for the defense and play any position in the secondary on both sides.”

Clemson is in a similar position.

“At Clemson, me and Coach (Mike) Reed have a good connection. Me and Coach (Brent) Venables have been talking through Twitter and I've been talking to Coach (Dabo) Swinney a little bit,” Battle said. “And Coach (Danny) Pearman recruits my area, so we've all been texting a lot. I am not trying to make a wrong decision. I know at Clemson they don't have a lot of DB depth right now, and I know I can play early there, too. They like to have long corners there and they would know how to use me and my size. “

Battle spent quality time of Clemson’s campus last month for Swinney’s high school camp. During the visit, he saw how Clemson football players live, practice, and spend their downtime.

“This time around I saw the entire facility. I saw the barber shop and the game room, the theatre and a whole lot of stuff. It's a nice place to be.,” Battle said. “I know there isn't a lot of stuff out there and I know the players love it. They don't have anywhere else to go so that keeps them there and it keeps them focused. They aren't off campus doing anything crazy. Just being there with the players is cool. I know Cornell Powell really well, he's from my area, and he was texting me the other day telling me what it was like up there at Clemson. I like it up there.”