LSU starting safety John Battle has been reclassified as a redshirt junior ahead of the 2017-2018 season.

Battle received a medical hardship from the NCAA for his freshman year according to a LSU spokesman. Battle came to LSU as a three-star recruit in 2014, and played in one game against Sam Houston State that year. The reclassification gives Battle two more years of eligibility.

Battle was pushed into the starting lineup last year after an injury to starting safety Rickey Jefferson broke his leg in practice leading up to the game against Southern Miss.

Battle finished the year with seven starts at free safety, 39 tackles and four pass breakups. Battle is projected to take over for Jamal Adams at strong safety, his more suited role. However, Battle’s flexibility playing both positions may allow for freshman Grant Delpit to see early playing time at strong safety.

Battle has one career interception which came against South Carolina in 2015.