University of West Florida

2016 (Jr. at UT Martin): Appeared in 10 games, finishing with seven tackles, five solos and one pass break up ... Season-high three tackles and a PBU against Bacone (9/13/16).

2015 (So. at UT Martin): Played in all 11 games ... Notched five tackles on the season including a season best three at Ole Miss (9/5/15) ... Posted two stops against Bethel (9/10/15) ... Returned a kickoff 11 yards against No. 1 Jacksonville State (9/26/15). 

2014 (Fr. at Southwest Mississippi CC): Appeared in eight games for coach Tucker Peavey at Southwest Miss. CC in Summit, Miss. ... Made 23 tackles with three pass breakups ... Made at least three tackles in six game ... Also served as the Bears’ kickoff returner in five games, tallying 301 yards on seven returns ... Had a 95-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff of the game against Copiah-Lincoln (9/18/14).

PREP: Prepped at Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla. for head coach Brian Allen ... Helped the Tigers post 10 wins and make a state playoff appearance as a senior in 2013 ... Was a Class 6A all-state third team defensive selection that same season.

PERSONAL: Full name is Rakeem Jacquan Battle ... Born on Nov. 21, 1994 in Lake City, Fla. ... Son of Lois and Al Merick ... Has two younger brothers - Josiah and Jasean ... Majoring in sports production with a minor in sports management ... Cousin Bruce Johnson played at Miami and is currently in the CFL.