Quantaye Battle is a hard-hitting free-agent defensive back possessing size and speed. He played his college ball for Virginia Union. Battle believes his leadership abilities and his physical attributes are the greatest qualities that he brings to a football team.
DB Quantaye Battle – Virginia Union (29 y/o, 6’3, 215 lbs)
|| NFL FA/ XFL Lottery Pick || Quantaye Battle 7 || Virginia Union University CB || @XCIV_07 pic.twitter.com/bacJsBu9q3
“My best qualities are my ability to lead and my physical attributes. I tend to watch a lot of film which leads me to be in the correct spots on game day, taking less stress off my DC because he knows I’m going to be in the right spot and execute whatever is called.” Battle stated when asked what he believes to be the best quality that he brings to a football team.
Quantaye Battle played at the Division II level for Virginia Union University from 2017 to 2019 appearing in 29 games. He contributed 87 solo tackles, 40 assisted tackles, 23 passes defended, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 4 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack with Virginia Union. He was named Second Team All-CIAA in 2018 and was named to the All-CIAA 2019 Preseason Team.
In Battle’s final season of NCAA, Virginia Union opened up their season with a 36-17 win over Hampton which is a Division 1 FCS program although they finished the season 7-3 and did not qualify for the playoffs. Over his time with Virginia Union, the team won 21 of their 30 games.
“My whole college football experience was pretty memorable to me. Being where I come it’s just a blessing to be able to go to school for free and do something I love. So I feel like just being able to do what I love and get an education in the process is probably my favorite football memory honestly.” Battle stated when asked what his favorite football memory was.
Battle was going to be a part of the Duke City Gladiators of the Indoor Football League in 2020 but Covid prevented the opportunity from transpiring. In 2021 he played arena football for the Oregon High Desert Storm of the AWFC (American West Football Conference) where he played 4 games during which he made 22 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.
In 2022 he played in 4 games for the Gillette Mustangs in the CIF (Champions Indoor Football). With the Mustangs he played in 4 games generating 9 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble.
Do you think that experience playing indoor football may have you more well prepared to transition well if a CFL team were interested in you?
“I feel like the indoor game translates to the CFL, which will have me well prepared when a CFL team calls. The game is way faster indoor so when a team does call, coaches will feel comfortable with just plugging you in because they know you already have the mental and speed experience.” Battle responded.
Battle played in 2 games for the Querétaro Gallos Negros in the LFA (Liga de Fútbol Americano) which is the top league in Mexico. In his 2 LFA games, he made 13 tackles and 1 interception.
“The fans, and just the country itself. They made me feel like family, the fans are very supportive and the food was amazing.” Battle reflected on his favorite parts of playing in Mexico.
Battle is currently signed with the San Antonio Gun Slingers of the Indoor Football League for the upcoming season. If offered he can choose to opt out of his contract to sign with a CFL or UFL team.
What are you most looking forward to in joining San Antonio?
“Most looking forward to working with Coach Menas, he is a legend and I know he will put me in position to be the best player I can be. I’m also excited just to finally get with the guys we have been watching a lot of film via Zoom so I’m just excited.”
Are there any areas in the past that may have been a weaker area that you may have improved in? If so what was your approach to improving a weakness you may have had?
“Yes, I feel like showing that I can play man-on-man most of the game was something I needed to show more on film and these past few years I have done that. Playing CB for my past teams has helped me with that.”
Do you have any pregame rituals?
“Yes, I got the field hours before the game, sit in the end zone and just pray and meditate. I also listen to a lot of music and watch a few last-minute clips of film, of what the other team might run on the first play of the game.”
What is your training regimen like?
“I currently train at F45 in Winston Salem, a lot of speed and flexibility work.”
When did you start playing football and what got you into it?
“I started playing football at the age of 5, and my dad always pushed me into sports, football is just what I fell in love with.”
What do you do in your free time?
“In my free time, I work out, and watch a lot of football and basketball. Listen to a lot of music other than that I’m pretty much boring.”
Favorite Movies:
“My favorite movies are Juice, Paid in Full, and Friday Night Lights.”
Favorite TV Show:
“My favorite TV show is probably First Take.”
Favorite Book:
“My favorite book is probably The Hunger Games.”
Any Favorite sports teams:
“My favorite basketball team is The Lakers and the Ravens are my favorite football team.”
Jonathan Clink joined CFL News Hub in early April of 2023. His primary responsibilities are covering the BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes.
He self awarded himself the CFL Rookie Journalist of the Year in 2023 following the 2023 CFL season. He also proclaims himself to be a "really cool guy". He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and lived a large portion of his childhood in Northwest Ontario. He currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and misses being being able to have 4 months of skating every winter.
Clink has written over 240 articles for CFL News Hub. He was the publication's boots on the ground at the 2023 Grey Cup in Hamilton.
Clink has always had an obsession for sport and has a background in other sports as well having played hockey all his life and soccer, basketball, and lacrosse in high school. As a young child he used to log his hockey statistics after every game which is either an indication that he was destined for the role or perhaps and indication that he is rather strange.
