USF’s Octavious Battle in transfer portal

Bulls redshirt freshman Octavious Battle, who appeared to be the No. 3 quarterback at the conclusion of spring practice, has entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.

Battle later confirmed the decision via social media Thursday afternoon.

A three-star recruit (per Rivals and 247Sports) from Atlanta, Battle’s last appearance for the Bulls was an encouraging effort in the spring game, when he went 8-for-12 for 146 yards, two touchdowns and an interception despite being under steady duress.

Nonetheless, all signs indicated he remained behind incumbent Blake Barnett and fellow redshirt freshman Jordan McCloud on the depth chart.

Related: USF spring game: 5 things we learned

Battle totaled nearly 7,000 yards in 40 career games at Atlanta’s Carver High, leading the program to its first state semifinal appearance in 49 years in 2017.

Should he depart, the Bulls would be left with three scholarship quarterbacks entering 2019 including incoming freshman Jahquez Evans, also from Atlanta.

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.