Robert “Pops” Battle patiently waited his turn.
After a brilliant high school career at East St. Louis that included a state championship, three state title game appearances and multiple school records, Battle spent his first two collegiate seasons serving as the Lindenwood backup quarterback.
“I was just waiting my turn on the sidelines, reading the speed of the game and imagining what I would do if I was out there,” Battle said.
The time for imagining is over as Battle prepares to take the keys to the Lindenwood offense when the Lions open their season against conference rival Charleston Southern at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 27 in an Ohio Valley Conference clash at Harlen Hunter Stadium in St. Charles.
Lindenwood overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat Charleston Southern 35-28 last season.
Battle has carried the nickname ‘Pops’ since he was a young child, when his bowlegged gait reminded family members of his great grandfather.
“And I kind of looked like him, so they started calling me ‘Pops,’ he said.
Those legs and his powerful right arm helped him amass over 10,000 yards of offense as a four-year starter in high school, placing him in the top-3 in Illinois history in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
As a Lindenwood freshman, Battle watched from the sideline as transfer quarterback Nate Glantz commanded the offense. He hoped to get his opportunity last season, but Glantz returned for a final year of eligibility, and Battle stood by his side once again, absorbing all he could.
“He’s been a great teammate here,” Lindenwood coach Jed Stugart said of Battle. “He had a great relationship with Nate, and the stuff he learned on the sideline and in the (quarterback) room was so valuable.”
An impressive aspect of Glantz’s skillset was his ability to put turnovers and three-and-out possessions in the rearview mirror quickly. At a recent practice, Battle displayed the same trait. First, he threw a red zone interception. Then, on his very next throw, delivered a perfect raindrop between two defenders along the sideline for a touchdown.
“As a college quarterback, I want to stay calm in the pocket and fine tune my mechanics,” Battle explained. “But when it comes down to it, ball is ball, and I just want to make plays.”
Battle’s playmaking should be helped by an experienced offensive line, big-play wide receivers and a deep running back room led by MICDS-grad Steve Hall and Ladue alum Jared Rhodes.
“Our running game should be awesome, so once that gets going, that will help the passing game,” Battle said. “The big guys up front are coming back. We’ve got older guys, younger guys, and we’re building that chemistry.”
Another person in his corner is play-caller Dusty Hovorka, who has been on the sidelines alongside Stugart for 17 years. Hovorka, who serves as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, has a reputation for developing young quarterbacks.
“Our relationship has grown a lot since my freshman year,” Battle said of Hovorka. “He trusts me and I trust him. It’s been amazing. He gives me a lot of coach-to-player (advice), and I can chip in when I think we need to do this or that.”
While Battle has confidence in his ability, and especially his escapability, he knows the gaudy numbers he amassed in high school will be difficult to duplicate in college.
“The game is a little faster, but the competition I played against in high school was very good, and it prepared me well for college,” Battle said. “I’m just trying to win games, no matter how it looks.”
And when the Lions emerge from the locker room Thursday evening and prepare to run onto the field, Battle can lean on the knowledge that two years of patience has prepared him for this moment.
“I know I’ll be excited, but I know I’ll need to stay calm, stay humble and lean on my guys,” Battle said.
Stugart added, “The team respects the way he carries himself, and they’re going to rally around him.”