Stanford 2016 4-Star CB Commit Treyjohn Butler Talks Visit to Palo Alto

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The 2015 season on the California gridiron may not have turned out the way Etiwanda High School star cornerback Treyjohn Butler wanted, but the Class of 2016 recruit did nothing to diminish his lofty status as one of the nation’s best.

The Eagles fought through a tough 3-7 campaign but Butler’s play on the field truly stood out. Opposing offensive coordinators and daring quarterbacks continued to try Butler’s skill set to no avail. The 5’11”, 190 pound, cover corner had 40 tackles, two forced fumbles, one quarterback hurry, and broke up an amazing 16 passes. The abilities of Butler as a defensive back have never been in question after a sophomore season with 35 tackles and seven picks and a junior campaign with 28 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one interception.

Stanford, once again, has another great recruiting class heading to Palo Alto. The Cardinal currently has 19 verbal commitments highlighted by players like quarterback K.J. Costello, wide receiver Simi Fehoko, linebacker Curtis Robinson, tight end Kaden Smith, offensive lineman Clark Yarbrough, running back Brandon Stephens, and defensive backs Nygel Edmonds, David Long, and Butler.

Butler took an unofficial visit to the Stanford campus over the weekend for the Notre Dame game seeing the Cardinal win one of the bigger games of the college football season (38-36). The Rancho Cucamonga area native went with his father Walt and was all smiles days later talking about the experience. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Treyjohn to talk about his visit and his thoughts on participating in the upcoming 10th annual Offense vs. Defense All-American Bowl held on New Year’s Day.

Interview

Treyjohn, first, what a game!

“It was awesome. I was standing up half the game.”

Drilling down to business, how did the visit go?

“The visit went very well. I enjoyed it a lot. It was like being at home. I enjoyed being around the coaches and talking about the future. I got to see how the team went over the game plan for Notre Dame; that was exciting. We got there a day early so they let me sit in on team meetings. I watched how everything goes down before a game. Being in the locker room before the game, hearing Coach (David) Shaw’s speech and all of the emotion, you knew something special was going to happen against Notre Dame. The outcome was great.”

Sitting in on the meetings, did you learn anything new about Stanford’s defense or about the game that you did not know already?

“I loved the nickel package they use and how they run their defense. They do their nickel package a little bit different than most teams. The technique they use is something new for me to learn, but I’m looking forward to it. Stanford’s defensive back coach, Coach (Duane) Akina is a very honorable man and great at what he does. I’m looking forward to learning from him. It’s going to be great.”

Since you got there a day early, did you guys tour more of the campus or any of the facilities?

“I did not tour the whole campus. I got see the campus when I went up for their Junior Day. I enjoyed being in the locker room and seeing all the athletic facilities again. Looking at the jerseys was great.”

Have you thought about what number you want to wear when you get to Stanford?

“Honestly, I have no worries about that. I have worn No. 8 all throughout my high school career but I’m not worried about my jersey number. I’m focused on playing on Saturday. My focus is to win my job and keep fighting for it. That’s all that is on my mind. The numbers can vary I just want to get on the field and play.”

You went to Stanford with your dad. How did he like the visit?

“It was cool to be able to take him to a Stanford game so he can see the atmosphere for a game. He did not know what it was like. Seeing him react to the atmosphere and not worry about the work life, it was a good time.”

When do you go back to Palo Alto for your official visit?

“Jan. 14.”

Are you taking any other visits coming up?

“No, I’m very committed to Stanford. I made my decision to commit to Stanford and I’m keeping my word on the school I’ve committed to. They choose me out of all the other players in the nation. I’m not playing around with them like that looking at other schools.”

You have been invited to play in the Offense vs. Defense All-American Bowl Game on Jan. 1. Are you looking forward to that showcase game?

“I am looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and playing. It’ll be fun playing against a fast tempo offense against some of the best athletes in the country. It’ll be great to see everyone one last time on high school field before seeing each other on the college field.”

Are any other Stanford commits joining you in Daytona Beach, Florida?

“I believe Fort Worth defensive lineman Michael Williams and long snapper Richard McNitzky will be there.”

Have you already started working out to get ready for the game?

“Yes. Knowing I have just a month timeline to get ready, I’ve been going heavy on the hills, doing hip work, pulling a lot of weight, working on getting my hips underneath me, and adding some more quick agility stuff. I’m working on getting all the muscles firing and getting ready for the game.”

Are you up to full speed in preparation for the game?

“I took a two week break to get rid of all the aches and pains from the season, but now I feel 100 percent. I’m starting to push my body past my limits. I’m working really hard in my preparations.”

Treyjohn, thanks for your time today and good luck at the All-American game.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Butler family; Treyjohn with 2016 running back commit Brandon Stephens (Plano, Texas).

Photo credit: Butler family; Treyjohn with defensive backs coach Duane Akina (left) and special teams coordinator Pete Alamar (right).