Butler sets decision date

Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward three-star safety Tony Butler had named a top six earlier this summer following his de-commitment from Pittsburgh on July 1. That list has shrunk even smaller now, however, and Butler has now settled on a date to announce his commitment.

Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward 3* DB Tony Butler will announce his commitment Oct. 5: http://t.co/Wa8OF5Ft5m pic.twitter.com/dVkXbu7F0A— Josh Helmholdt (@JoshHelmholdt) August 25, 2015

WHAT'S NEXT: Butler has named a top three of Arizona State, Clemson and West Virginia. He visited both Clemson and West Virginia in July and says an official visit to Arizona State will take place either the weekend of Sept. 13 or Sept. 25.

IN HIS WORDS: "I've enjoyed the process a lot and I've grown from every situation I was in that may of been childish. Every since my decommitment I realized I had to do what's best for my family and I. Being a better man is the most important thing of the whole process. With those schools I feel like I can become a better man and will play early while getting a great education."

RIVALS' REACTION: While teams like Michigan may be a surprise omission from Butler's top three, this is the direction his recruitment is headed. By way of recent visits, Clemson and West Virginia would be the most likely picks at this point, but Butler has a good relationship with Chris Ball at Arizona State and his official visit in September should be watched closely.