Butler drawing attention
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln quarterback Ronald Butler is coming off a junior season where he was the quarterback for a state champion. He isn't satisfied though.
Entering his senior season, he is working to improve as a quarterback and a senior leader. Prior to the spring season beginning, Butler participated in the Tallahassee Nike Football Training Camp to see where he stood amongst his peers.
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"It was a good experience," Butler said. "It gives you a chance to see where you stand as compared to all the other quarterbacks. I thought I did well."
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound signal-caller is back on the practice fields at Lincoln working towards the 2011 season with his teammates. After the first few days of practice, he likes the team's direction.
"It has been great," Butler said. "Everyone has come out here, even the young guys, and they are working hard. The upperclassmen are being leaders out here. We know we have to work to get better and to repeat."
As for his growth as a player, Butler has learned to believe in himself more and rely on his teammates on the field in all situations.
"I feel like my confidence has gone up," Butler said. "I also feel like I can trust my teammates that are around me and that they play hard, which makes me a better player."
His athleticism, and versatility, has a number of colleges interested at this juncture.
"I've heard from Notre Dame, USF, Clemson, Iowa State, and Jacksonville State," Butler said. "Jacksonville State has offered me. They are my only offer."
Butler talked about what he heard from Jacksonville State when they offered him.
"I talked to two of the coaches on the phone as well as the head coach," Butler said. "They just told me how it would be there and how I would fit into the system."
While Jacksonville State is interested in him as a quarterback, other schools are looking for him to contribute in a different role.
"Some are recruiting me as an athlete and some are recruiting me as a quarterback," Butler said. "For example, Jacksonville State is recruiting me as a quarterback while USF is recruiting me as an athlete, as a defensive back."
As a junior, Butler threw for more than 1,100 yards and tossed 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for three touchdowns. He struggled at times, as he also threw 11 interceptions.
Lincoln will wrap-up their spring season by facing Leon and East Gadsden in jamboree action scheduled for Friday, May 27th.