2008 Woodie Awards
Butler Still Catching On At Wide Receiver
Football
Kevin Duffy
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: Sports
Quarterback Tyler Lorenzen dropped back and stared down his target to the right. Darius Butler knew where the pass was going. He jumped Kashif Moore's out-route as the ball arrived, but forgot to do one thing - catch it. The ball hit off Butler's chest and dropped to the ground as he frantically tried to gain possession.
Cornerback Robert McClain III burst out in laughter on the sidelines. So did Jasper Howard.
Now, more than ever, there is pressure for Butler to catch the ball and when the part-time wide receiver doesn't, he hears it from his fellow corners.
"That's all fun," Howard said. "We kind of do it in the locker room, when we eat. We always mess with each other. That's just something we have together, friendship, brotherhood."
More often than not, however, Butler silences his buddies in the secondary. In two weeks at wide receiver, Butler has flashed the big-play ability that could make him a game-changer on both sides.
According to Butler, his greatest asset is being able to turn a "5-yard hitch into a 50-yard gain." His unique run-after-the-catch ability is a combination of god-given talent and experience he's gained while playing option quarterback for two years in high school and kick returner in college. Above all, though, Butler credits the long days as a youngster he spent playing pick-up football in the streets.
Despite the occasional dropped pass, Butler's overall explosiveness and playmaking have drawn compliments from his teammates - even Howard.
"Every time I go against him, I'm going to come play 110 percent," Howard said. "But at the same time, you have to respect him no matter what side of the ball he's on. He's one of the best."
When asked what NFL player he would compare his receiving skills to, Butler paused, smiled, and quietly said "Steve Smith."
Howard laughed.
"Or Chad Johnson."
Howard laughed again.
"Yeah that's about right," Howard added.
Cornerback Robert McClain III burst out in laughter on the sidelines. So did Jasper Howard.
Now, more than ever, there is pressure for Butler to catch the ball and when the part-time wide receiver doesn't, he hears it from his fellow corners.
"That's all fun," Howard said. "We kind of do it in the locker room, when we eat. We always mess with each other. That's just something we have together, friendship, brotherhood."
More often than not, however, Butler silences his buddies in the secondary. In two weeks at wide receiver, Butler has flashed the big-play ability that could make him a game-changer on both sides.
According to Butler, his greatest asset is being able to turn a "5-yard hitch into a 50-yard gain." His unique run-after-the-catch ability is a combination of god-given talent and experience he's gained while playing option quarterback for two years in high school and kick returner in college. Above all, though, Butler credits the long days as a youngster he spent playing pick-up football in the streets.
Despite the occasional dropped pass, Butler's overall explosiveness and playmaking have drawn compliments from his teammates - even Howard.
"Every time I go against him, I'm going to come play 110 percent," Howard said. "But at the same time, you have to respect him no matter what side of the ball he's on. He's one of the best."
When asked what NFL player he would compare his receiving skills to, Butler paused, smiled, and quietly said "Steve Smith."
Howard laughed.
"Or Chad Johnson."
Howard laughed again.
"Yeah that's about right," Howard added.
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