North Carolina State cornerback Shyheim Battle grew up in Rocky Mount, N.C. The 252 area code that raised and supported him on his football journey is the inspiration behind the name of his organization, Outta252. This summer, Battle, EAMG Sports and Obsesh Marketing will give back to his local community by hosting the second annual Outta252 Camp Showdown on July 15 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex Football Stadium. 

“I feel like it’s important to give back to the area I came from,” Battle said. “Rocky Mount helped me get to where I am today, and I want to help connect kids with the pathways to achieve their goals.” 

The non-contact camp is for youth ages six to 18 and will be split in two to retain a competitive balance. Six to 12-year-olds will attend camp together while 13 to 18-year-olds will have their own section. The age groups will be further divided during the camp to maintain a fun atmosphere.  

Battle’s clothing line Battle Island is the official sponsor of the Outta252 Camp Showdown. Any purchases made will go toward supporting the camp. For more information on how to support the camp or register, contact Mike Battle at battleground4ent@gmail.com or call 252-373-1487.  

Battle began giving back to local communities during his freshman year in college. He started by visiting the boys’ and girls’ club to share stories and play sports. Now his offseason schedule includes community-based activities like visiting elementary schools and hosting the Outta252 Camp Showdown.  

“I just like giving back to the youth the best way I can,” Battle said. “I want to encourage them to be successful, chase their dreams and stay motivated.”  

Roughly 130 kids attended last year’s Outta252 Camp Showdown. Battle expects more than 200 to attend this year.  

“I always enjoy seeing the kids have fun. Last year was the first time I hosted the Outta252 Camp Showdown, and the kids were very excited to be there,” Battle recalled. “Everyone was smiling and just enjoying playing the game of football. I love giving back to the community. Before I began running this camp, I held a small football camp at my old high school. Working with the youth is something that I’ve enjoyed since I got to college.” 

Battle is a redshirt senior with three years of starting experience under his belt. He knows the effort and dedication required to achieve dreams and surpass expectations. The North Carolina native’s experiences support his message to boys and girls.  

“Nothing good comes easy. If you put the time in, stay dedicated and remain consistent, you’ll accomplish what you want to accomplish,” Battle explained. “That was my journey. That’s how I got to where I am. I took advantage of opportunities and was ready when it was time to perform.”  

Some of the opportunities Battle sought as a high school athlete led him to USA Football’s U.S. National Teams program. He was a member of the 2018 U.S. Under-17 Tackle National Team that defeated an Under-17 team from British Columbia, Canada 50-6 at International Bowl IX at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

A few months after the International Bowl, Battle donned the stars and stripes again. He played on the 2018 U.S. Under-19 Tackle National Team that won a bronze medal in the 2018 International Federation of American Football World Championship in Mexico City, defeating Sweden 61-9.  

“Going to Mexico was the experience of a lifetime. I still have friends that I talk to from that team,” Battle said. “Traveling the world for almost a whole month was fun. We started out in Arizona, trained for a week or two, and then flew to Mexico. It was my first time traveling out of the country, and I got to play football at a national level against other countries. The stadium we played in was nice, and the game against Mexico was very fun. The energy the Mexican team’s fanbase brought was pretty cool. We ended up losing the game, but the audience gave us a standing ovation afterward. That was such a memorable moment because I never had a standing ovation before. For my first one to be in Mexico City in the heart of Mexico was pretty cool.” 

Some of Battle’s National Team teammates included National Champion Georgia running back Kendall Milton, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Fryar and All-American Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe. Battle also played alongside and keeps in touch with former Oregon State cornerback Alex Austin, who was recently selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 NFL Draft.  

Jake O’Donnell, who played quarterback on the 2018 U.S. Under-19 Tackle National Team and attended James Madison, now works as an athlete agent. He is Battle’s NIL representative and is the CEO and founder of EAMG Sports. 

Battle is one of several U.S. National Team alumni giving back to his community and supporting the next generation. Visit blogs.usafootball.com for the latest news and features on U.S. National Team athletes.