Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees but not in the case of UAB running back Demetrius Battle

He is the forest.

Branches, canopy, roots and all.

“Definitely a big human,” fellow running back Jermaine “Skull” Brown Jr. said. “And he moves. He’ll be a good piece to add to this team.”

Brown lost the second back-mate of his career this offseason but Battle, a midyear transfer, is making a strong case for pairing the duo this spring with a dominant physical style and venerable wisdom begging to be shared.

“You have two pros in the backfield and some really talented young guys that are learning how to become professionals,” UAB head coach Trent Dilfer said. “And, in my opinion, one of the best coaches in America with Hindley Brigham That room is a special room — the way Hindley runs it and what his standards are for that room.”

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UAB signed 35 players to its official 2023 recruiting class, 11 of whom were transfer portal additions, and Battle is the lone running back to join the Blazers this offseason. A 6-foot-even, 245-pound ball of fury, the Birmingham native prepped at John Carroll Catholic before signing with West Alabama out of high school.

Following a redshirt in his first season, Battle appeared in 34 total games during his career and rushed for 1,920 yards and 24 touchdowns while hauling in 29 receptions for 221 yards and a score.

“It was pretty great being an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes away from here,” Battle said. “My mom and family were able to travel down and watch me play. Being back in Birmingham, downtown, I might have more family coming to watch. I have a bigger support system here and it’s a wonderful thing.”

Battle accomplished every goal he set at West Alabama and felt the opportunity to play one more season on the FBS level was too good to pass.

“I had the extra year and a big support system around me,” he said. “I spoke to people about it, telling them the decisions that I had (to make). I have one more year and I can either transfer, try my chances at going D1, or go to work — and that’s going to be there. Finish it while you can and that’s exactly what I did.”

Brown returns for his final season on the Southside and is set to lead the backfield after being the second option behind UAB legends Spencer Brown and DeWayne McBride, both of whom set multiple school records during their respective careers.

Not including the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Brown has rushed for at least 400 yards and scored twice during his time in the backfield. He was named C-USA honorable mention in 2021 and selected the C-USA Second Team last year — his best season on the field with 834 yards and seven cores — and enters his final season with 2,450 total yards and 16 touchdowns.

Quality production from a former scout team receiver.

“This is my last season and giving everything my all,” Brown said. “I’m teaching the young players how to practice and how to have good habits on and off the field. We set a high level here and I know I have to practice hard and play hard so I can set a good example.”

“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to play on the college level and Coach Brigham for accepting me into the running back room,” he added. “I was small at first but had a big heart. I love UAB for that.”

Dilfer has described his offensive philosophy as “get the dudes the ball” and both Brown and Battle exemplify exactly what the new UAB head coach is looking for as far as “dudes” are concerned. Not only is their dude-ness a prized commodity but also the way in which they perform outside the lines.

“Skull and 8-Ball (Battle), their mentality, they take a professional approach to life, not just football,” Dilfer said. “They’re in early and out late, they’re taking care of their academics, they’re leaders on and off the field and guys that have great habits. They’re the models for the rest of the offense.”

Although Brown has been an offensive engine for the majority of his career, acknowledged as one of the most electrifying athletes in coastal Alabama during his recruiting cycle, the senior is not shy in declaring his ability to help the team in any way imaginable.

A mentality infused into Brown when he was only a true freshman on the scout team and that eventually led to his promotion midway through the 2019 season.

“I can play anywhere on the field,” he said. “I can play defense. I can play quarterback. You have to be interchangeable in life. Things are going to happen and you have to keep your head on straight.”

Most of UAB’s running backs are similar in build to Brown, give or take a few inches and pounds, but Battle is by far the largest in either category. He is as nimble on his feet as any other back, a wrecking ball once full momentum is achieved and doesn’t mind taking on additional responsibility.

Namely, blocking in the name of teamwork.

“Being a big back, I bring power,” Battle said. “I’m bringing power all the time. Guys don’t think that I’m that athletic but when I get on the field, they see that I’m a little shifty with my moves. Just because I’m big doesn’t mean that I can’t move like the smaller backs.”

“At West Alabama, I was the main running back — we never had a fullback type — and only really blocked on passing plays,” Battle said. “I’m getting more into blocking and it’s never a problem for me because I’m a big guy. I like doing it because I love contact.”

Battle enters a position group as the fresh face but sharing his indelible wisdom — already earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at West Alabama — is as important for his short time with the Blazers as it is performing on the field.

“That’s what I want for them,” Battle said. “That’s the end goal — get your degree and make it to the next level.”