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Butler Discusses Pitt Commitment

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“I called coach (Tim) Salem to tell him I wanted to commit to Pitt. He was really excited when I told him,” stated Plantation (FL) American Heritage wide receiver Dontavius Butler (6-foot-2 inches, 197 pounds).

“Pitt is a perfect fit for the type of player that I am and they have the major I most interested in. I want to major in communications and they have a strong communications department. I have a strong bond with the coaches as well.”

Butler chose Pitt over scholarship offers from North Carolina State, Temple, Toledo, Appalachian State, Florida Atlantic, Fresno State, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois and Middle Tennessee State. He’s the second wide receiver to join Pitt’s class of 2017 joining Bethlehem (PA) Liberty’s Darian Street. Dontavius is the second Floridian to commit to the current class, joining Ft. Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas outside linebacker Albert Tucker.

“I haven’t visited Pitt but I have done a lot of research on the school and learned about it from the coaching staff,” he said. “It was too good an opportunity for me to pass up. I plan on scheduling an official visit by the end of the week.”

Butler was asked to elaborate on his strengths at the wide receiver position and he stated, “I’m a very physical receiver that is willing to do the dirty work. I have soft hands and I know how to high point the ball. I used my size and strength to get past and push off defensive backs. I know how to make cuts that separate me and get me open.”

It’s not uncommon for a standout high school performer to admire an NFL player. Having that football player practice on the same football field is a bit rare. “The Steelers Antonio Brown grew up 20 minutes from where I live. I think about him and get inspired. It’s hard to believe we’ll be practicing in some of the same places. I can’t wait.”

Butler has been ranked a three-star prospect by the major scouting services and he’s capable of running a 4.55 forty-yard dash. He’s known as a physical receiver with tremendous blocking ability. American Heritage was primarily a run-based offense and he was given a tremendous amount of opportunities to showcase his skills. The coaching staff will be providing him many more opportunities his senior year to showcase his talents. Dontavius may admire the Steelers Antonio Brown but his game is reminiscent to former Steeler great Hines Ward.

Butler is the 10th player to join the Panthers’ 2017 football recruiting class.

// Header image: Photo courtesy of Dontavius Butler

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker

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