All 105 is a Pittsburgh Sports Now series profiling each of the 105 members of Pitt’s 2021 training camp roster.
15 • Rashad Battle, sophomore cornerback
Last year: Battle played in all 11 games in his first year, spending time on special teams and as a depth player.
Stats: Made seven tackles in 2020 as a true freshman.
Camp outlook: Battle recorded seven tackles and two sacks in Pitt’s spring game, with head coach Pat Narduzzi lauding his ability as a blitzer. Battle’s ability as a utility player could be key to earning a bigger role in the Panthers defense.
Projected role: Battle is on the outside looking in for the moment, even after the Panthers sent three defensive backs to the NFL in the 2021 Draft. He’ll have to fight for the playing time left over from veterans Damarri Mathis, Marquis Williams, A.J. Woods, and coveted transfer M.J. Devonshire.
Accolades, highlights: 247sports ranked Battle as the No. 35 cornerback in the nation for the class of 2020. Rivals called him the No. 36 player in the state of Georgia, a perennial recruiting powerhouse.
Coverage links:
Pitt’s Secondary Depth Answering the Call
Five Takeaways from Pitt’s Blue-Gold Game
