Week 11 Stats: 13 tackles (5 solo), 1.0 tackle-for-loss (5 yards), 1 forced fumble
Battaglia continues to make a case for the 2024 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season at Stonehill. The first-year linebacker received NEC Rookie of the Week honors for the second time in three weeks, and a league-leading third time this season, after he turned in an impressive effort against NEC title contender Central Connecticut on Saturday. A native of Massapequa, NY, Battaglia was the Skyhawks’ leading tackler in the hard-fought 21-17 defeat. Hitting double digits for the first time in his career, he led all players with 10 stops, including three solo tackles and 1.5 for a loss of five yards. In addition, Battaglia forced a fumble on a goal-line stand to prevent a Blue Devils’ score at the end of the opening half. He ranks among the NEC’s top tacklers this season, as his 6.4 per game rank eighth overall and lead all conference rookies. Battaglia has been even more impressive against league foes, upping his number to 7.8 tackles per contest.