Interview: Saguaro has Added 2023 Thumper John Butler to Linebacking Corps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Saguaro High School is one of Arizona’s best high school football programs routinely putting out top D-I players to the collegiate ranks. Over the offseason they brought on yet another amazing talent ready to help the Sabercats claim a state title in 2021 in linebacker John Butler… and they got a great one.
Butler is that prototypical college style linebacker who can get after it in the run game filling the gaps and shedding blocks while dropping into coverage. Playing in a virus-shortened three-game season with Chavez High School in 2020, the Champions went 2-1 with their rising star coming up with 18 tackles, 11 solo, and four tackles for a loss. With intent on reprising the same roles with Saguaro, Butler was a two-way player for the Champions getting time in at tight end securing two passes for 21 yards with one touchdown.
Once the college football world finds Butler, the offers will come streaming in for the Class of 2023 recruit. Arizona has dropped an offer with collegiate follows piling up on Twitter.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Butler stopped by the RNG Lab to talk about his 2020 campaign and offseason workouts.
Interview
John, it may not have been the full season desired, but you did get in some games with Chavez for the 2020 season. After all the unknowns in the offseason, what was it like being able to put the helmet on and get after some teams?
It was a refreshing experience to be back on the field after all that work to be able to play with my team and brothers again.
You got snaps on both sides of the ball for the Champions but arguably played at another level at inside linebacker on defense. How would you describe your play on defense?
I am really aggressive and I like to hit. I am downhill linebacker, going through the hole is not a good idea when I am there.
What set were you running with Chavez in 2020 and what were your responsibilities?
We were running a 4-3, we had rushers coming off the edge. We were really good up front with our D-line. Against the run, we were a lockdown team. We always had the middle locked down.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
Definitely reading the guards, if they were pulling or going into pass protection. Another was covering receivers across the middle. Nothing was caught on me in my zone.
This offseason you transferred to Saguaro. At which position(s) might you play for the Sabercats during the 2021 season?
I will be a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher. I know I will be playing tight end there as well.
What have you been doing already to push your athleticism and speed to another level?
One of my downfalls is my speed. I have been doing a lot of hamstring and explosiveness workouts to get my 40 better and to get quicker off the ball.
How have you prepared this offseason for that role at tight end?
I have been focused on my hands, routes – making sure they are crisp, and paying attention to the small things like watching the ball all the way in.
And what about at linebacker?
Knowing that I am not as fast as I want to be, I am working on guarding the outside receiver. Knowing that I will be used as an edge rusher, I have been working on my moves to get past that offensive tackle.
Are you playing 7v7 this winter?
Yes, with Sweet Feet Elite
How is the 7v7 season going?
We are doing pretty good so far. We played in a Pylon tournament in Florida making it to the semifinals, I think.
Let’s get into recruiting. I know Arizona has offered (Feb. 13), which schools are showing recruiting interest?
Based off follows on Twitter, I am receiving interest from Colorado, USC, and San Diego State.
Receiving that offer from Arizona, what was that moment like for you?
It was an out of body experience. After working so hard over the last two seasons, I wanted one my freshman season. Finally getting that offer, which is also a D-I offer, it was an out of body experience.
John, congratulations on the success on the field and with landing your offer from Arizona. Wishing you and your 7v7 team success this offseason.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Butler family; John Butler