Interview: 4-Star 2020 DT Jordan Butler Talks IMG Academy Fall Practices and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching Desert Pines line up during the 2017 season, it did not take long for one to notice then- sophomore Jordan Butler. Butler was that disruptive force in the Jaguars trenches clogging holes against the run and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback play after play. The results for Butler became that breakthrough season that all budding talents dream of ending with a Nevada 3A championship title. The beneficiary of Butler’s abilities during the 2018 will be IMG Academy, adding another key piece to the Ascenders roster that could help notch a national championship.
The start of the 2017 season for the Jaguars (10-2) did not have a storybook feel to it. Desert Pines lost their first two games by a combined 60-0. The team regrouped for their third game of the season against Silverado, blanking the Skyhawks 48-0. With Butler leading the charge up front, the Jaguars only gave up 137 points for the entire season limiting opposing squads to an average of 11 points per game, even with the 51-0 loss to Arbor View. The dominating play for the 6-3, 310-pound, talent came through on the stat sheet with 56 stops, 16 tackles for a loss, and five sacks routinely playing against double-teams.
A wide swath of college coaches from across the country have taken more than a subtle interest in Butler with seven offers being extended. The hopeful programs include USC, Arizona, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Colorado. For the squads interested in watching Butler during his junior campaign, a trip down to Bradenton, Florida, will be needed. Just before the start of fall camp, Butler transferred schools testing his growing abilities against one of the better stocked high school football squads in the nation with one of the tougher schedules in 2018.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Butler covering fall camp with IMG Academy, his offseason workouts, and his recruiting process to date.
Interview
Jordan, the Jaguars won the 3A title last year, what was that run like for you?
“We had a couple of bad showings the first couple of games, but we got our mojo back. We turned it on, especially on defense. We started dominating everyone. We played football how we wanted to play, especially in the playoffs. We were physical.”
You play on both sides of the ball, but may get more attention at defensive tackle, which position do you like playing the most?
“I like playing defensive tackle more.”
At the end of the 2017 season, what did you consider to be the strengths of your game on defense?
“I am fast off the ball. I did a good job controlling the offensive line. The Pressure I was creating in the middle of the field, if you can create disruption, that shuts down what they can do.”
What did you work on this offseason with your game?
“I worked on getting my upper body stronger so I can control guards better. I worked on my hands so I can do more off the line with my quicker get off.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
“I am a lot stronger in general. My technique is improving constantly. I am moving better, I am not as stiff.”
What did you max out at in the weight room this offseason?
“I maxed out at 315 on bench. With squats, we did three and four-reps; I am around 560 to 570 on my squat max.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
No. I was planning to go to some, but my great grandmother passed away. I spent more time with my family this summer.”
Sorry for your loss, Jordan.
“Thank you.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?
“Purdue, Washington, UCLA, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Utah, and Cal are all showing interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers.”
Did you get to take any visits in 2018?
“Yes, sir. I took a couple in the spring to Arizona State, Arizona, USC, and Nevada.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up this fall?
“I am trying to make it to a Notre Dame, Minnesota, and a USC game.”
You recently transferred to IMG, when did IMG start fall camp?
“We started two weeks ago.”
How is the team looking?
“We look strong. We should get the No. 1 spot in the country this year.”
Is it fun to be back in full-pads getting some licks in on the field?
“Yes. I did not realize how much I missed hitting until we started hitting again.”
What are practices like with IMG?
“Super-duper intense. It is close to a game every day. Everyone wants to go hard and compete the best that they can. Everyone is pushing each other to get better.”
You guys have some talented teams on the schedule, there are two games I have circled, Liberty and Mater Dei, are there any games you are hyped to play already?
“Mater Dei (CA – on Sept. 21) and Liberty (NV – on Sept. 7).”
What goals have you set for your junior season?
“I want to improve on what I did last year, show my skills as a pass rusher, and have an undefeated season.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Butler family; Jordan Butler at Minnesota
Featured photo: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jordan Butler at the Las Vegas Nike Regional (2018)