Interview: 3-Star 2021 Missouri RB Taj Butts Covers Championship Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Defenders in the box may boast of loving a challenge taking on a top running back, but with a guy like Taj Butts on the other side – no, they don’t. Butts is that mix of size (6-0, 205), speed, and power that has the field vision and quickness to make the necessary cuts for more yards. To further frustrate a defense, he plays running back like a linebacker with his hair on fire ready to knock a would-be tackler on his ass. All is adding up for a “can’t miss” prospect at the collegiate level.
Butts started his rise through the ranks with DeSmet High School during the 2018 season carrying the pigskin 97 times for 725 yards with 14 touchdowns. The Spartans were on the brink of something special then posting a 9-3 record, but put in the extra work over the offseason to make sure they closed the deal in 2019. With Butts a guaranteed commodity out of the backfield, the Spartans put together as 14-0 season against 6A Missouri competition hoisting a state title after taking down Joplin 35-20. Their three-star running back was a vicious as ever running for 1,332 yards and 18 touchdowns off 132 totes chipping in 70 receiving yards off four passes secured.
The attention off the field for Butts has been earned. The St. Louis area talent took home first team All-Conference, first team All-District, second team All-State and first team All-State (from competing outlets) honors. College coaches have taken notice of his abilities with offers dropped by Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville, and Purdue West Virginia.
Covering the Spartans’ magical season and his progression on the field, Butts and I sat down for a first-time RNG chat.
Interview
Taj, the Spartans were laying it on teams throughout the regular season and did not slow down in the playoffs putting together a season to remember. What was that moment like for you when you knew Joplin was defeated and you guys were the champs?
“For me, I am not very emotional, but I felt emotional for this. I felt the pain for the seniors that went 1-8 or 2-8. Being undefeated after all the work in the summertime, it felt good.”
What was the big difference for the team in 2019 after going 9-3 the year prior?
“The difference, in 2018 we knew we had a good team but we did not know how much work it would take to win a championship. We knew what we needed to do this offseason to finish out our plan.”
Within the offensive scheme, how were the coaches getting the ball to you?
“Our offensive coordinator, I have really good vision, so he gave me zone plays to read and I would power through it. He would give me a play were the guard and tackle would pull and plays to the outside using my speed and power to gain yards on the outside.”
As you mentioned; your speed, obviously, is there, but the thing I think that sets you apart from others is your field vision. What are some of the other traits to your game that makes you so explosive?
“I have good genes. I have big thighs and I have good explosion with my running. I played defense all my life, I am very aggressive when I run. I have that defensive mentality to run through someone.”
How did you take your game to another level during the season?
“When I started out as a running back, I tried to overpower everyone gaining yards straight downhill. Now I have added a juke and some moves to dodge tackles. I can shuffle through the hole more to get yards. The extra movement has helped not taking as many hits.”
During the 2019 season, which game did you turn in your top performance?
“I’d say the playoff games against CBC (Christian Brothers). I think I had 162 yards rushing, that was my highest rushing game of the season, with three touchdowns off only 15 carries.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Which parts of your game are you working on this offseason?
“I want to become more versatile. I am working on running routes and working on my blocking more. I am working on my footwork and agility so I can juke people more and become quicker.”
Closing out covering recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Butts’ Offer Sheet: Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville, Purdue, and West Virginia
Nice. Which schools are showing interest?
“Kentucky, Notre Dame, Missouri, Texas Tech, and Arkansas – they are all showing real interest.”
This offseason might you visit any programs?
“Yes. I am trying to take three in the next four weeks. I may visit Mizzou, Purdue on the 25th, and West Virginia.”
Taj, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success with your offseason workouts and with the upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: St. Louis Dispatch; No. 8 Taj Butts
Photo credit: Twitter.com; state championship trophy