Georgia Southern defensive lineman Jonathan Battle just wrapped up the first week of fall camp of his senior season.
    The thing is, he’s doing that for the second consecutive year.
    Battle – who has been with the Eagles since 2011 – was in the middle of last season’s opening week of camp when he went down with a knee injury. The damage was bad enough that he was ruled out for the season immediately after.
    A medical redshirt and eligibility as a sixth-year senior were a sure thing for Battle, but going through with surgery and the recovery needed to get back to game speed was up in the air. It wasn’t until this past offseason that he made the decision to do what he could to get back in the game.
    “I wasn’t sure if that was going to be the end (of my playing career) when I got hurt last year,” Battle said. “I talked it over with my teammates, coaches and family. They were all really supportive of me going for it and playing again. I know I wouldn’t be here without that support.
    “I’ve got to thank the doctors as well. We have great doctors that are the main reason I can come back.”
    Back on the field and participating fully in drills earlier in the week, Battle conceded that practice is hot and tough, but that he’s glad to be in the middle of it.
    While he was out of action last season, Battle wasn’t about to resign himself to a seat in the bleachers. Still unsure about his playing future, Battle continued to do what he could to help the Eagles, serving as a student assistant.
    “I was on the sidelines cheering everyone on,” Battle said. “It was tough not being out there, but it was fun to cheer on everyone and celebrate the success that we had.”
    Battle worked his way into the rotation during the 2012 season, saw his first start in 2013 and played a big role in helping the Eagles win the 2014 Sun Belt championship in their first season at the FBS level. Things have changed plenty for Battle, who was recruited onto a team still vying for FCS titles, but that is now making more of a national name for itself in the Sun Belt.
    “It’s been a long journey,” Battle said. “We’ve been through a lot. Fortunately, we’ve seen a lot of success. I know that a lot of us older guys want to go out strong, too.”
    Making it back onto the practice field is a big accomplishment, but Battle still has plenty of work cut out for him if he wants to regain his role as a looming presence on the interior of the Eagles’ defensive line.
    Georgia Southern returns its entire two-deep from what was one of the most effective defensive fronts in the conference last season. Every snap – in both practices and games – will have to be fought for, not that Battle minds.
    “I think this is a great situation,” Battle said. “I want to play, but so does everyone else. We all like to compete, whether it’s against an opponent or with our own teammates. I look at (fellow defensive linemen) Jay Ellison and Darrius Sapp and see how we’ve all grown. I’m proud to be a part of this unit and to have to compete every day.”
    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9408.