If you missed the news from earlier in the week, John Battle has been reclassified as a junior for LSU. Battle faced the potential of being a senior heading into the 2017 season after he appeared in a single contest back in 2014 but was granted a waiver giving him an extra year of eligibility for the 2018 season – if he decides to come back that is.

During a Thursday appearance on 104.5 FM ESPN Baton Rouge, Battle indicated his extra year of eligibility does not guarantee he will be back in 2018 — in fact, the LSU safety is planning on the 2017 season being his last in Baton Rouge.

Here’s what Battle had to say to when asked about the news:

“Exciting man, breath of fresh air I’ll tell you that,” Battle said on the air. “Having the opportunity to come back for a fifth year and play for the Tigers. It’s something I will take into consideration. Hopefully, I can leave this year (for the NFL), but if it’s not God’s plan, I got another year to come back and do it all over again.”

With LSU losing a trio of talented defensive backs this offseason, two of which were selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft — Jamal Adams and Tre’davious White, Battle will be one of the units most experienced and knowledgable returning players.

Despite his high level of awareness on the football field, Battle admits even he is amazed when it comes to the football IQ of his defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. During his radio appearance, Battle was asked to share his thoughts on Aranda.

“I come in the meeting rooms sometimes, you know the staff meeting rooms, just to pop my head in to see what’s going on, see what adjustments we got going on for game week. I listen to him, and I’m just like, wow — he really knows everything,” Battle continued. “He can literally coach just about every position, offense, defense, whatever. It’s amazing to sit back and just watch him draw up the game plans and things like that.”

While he’s hopeful the 2017 season will be his last in college, Battle has plenty left to accomplish before he says goodbye to Baton Rouge. Here’s what the newly-minted redshirt junior said when asked about his personal expectations for the coming season.

“Just trying to be an impact player, trying to be one of the next great DBs to come out of LSU,” Battle added. “Trying to be the quarterback of the defense. I like to say I’m the Batman of the secondary, try to be one step ahead of everybody.”