DL Matthew Butler commits to Tennessee

Tennessee has added another big time defensive lineman with the commitment of Matthew Butler. The defensive end from Garner, N.C. chose the Volunteers over Texas A&M, South Carolina, Penn State, Duke, and N.C. State.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

“Coach (Butch) Jones has believed in me since day one,” Butler said. “I’ve taken Coach (Steve) Stripling’s coaching with an open ear and an open mind. I’ve really enjoyed Coach (Tommy) Thigpen and we have a vey strong relationship. Tennessee is on the come up. We’re getting a lot of elite players. Coach (Bob) Shoop believes that I can come in and play a primary role on the defense with my mentality and how I approach the game with cerebral mindset.

“I’ve talked to some of the players on the team there and a lot of them have the same mindset and the same goals as I do,” he said. “Everybody always say that I should surround myself with like-minded players.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

Butler is a valuable defensive lineman because of his scheme versatility. He has a big frame and great quickness, which will help the coaching staff put him in advantageous situations across the defensive line. They are taking Butler as a defensive end, but if he gets too big, they will move him to defensive tackle and he should still have success there.