On Friday, Dennis Butler became the fourth California junior college product to sign with Illinois States football program, but Butler is somewhat different from the other three.
For Butler, a 5-10, 185-pound cornerback and return specialist from Los Angeles Valley College, signing with a school in Illinois means signing with a school in his home state. The Chicago native and Simeon High School product will play the final two years of his college football career in much closer proximity to his family and friends.
He will attend classes at ISU during the second semester, which begins Tuesday, and will participate in spring drills.
We really like the fact that hes an in-state product, said ISU head coach Denver Johnson. I think he looked at us and felt he had an opportunity to come in here and have an immediate impact in a place that was close to home. He had some other options, so were pleased to get him.
Certainly the opportunity exists for playing time at corner. ISU lost its top three to graduation, including another Simeon grad, Sam Young.
We feel like we need some immediate help there and we feel like Dennis can provide that, Johnson said. Were still dealing with some other prospects who would come in here in the fall. Getting Dennis here for the spring is a good lick for our program.
Hes a good cover guy , who also can come up and make good, hard tackles.
Butler might also provide a game-breaking quality.
As a sophomore at LA Valley, he had six interceptions. He also returned one punt and one kickoff for touchdowns. As a freshman, he had three interceptions and three kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Butler earned all-conference honors both years.
At Simeon, he played running back and scored 25 touchdowns during his senior season, earning a spot on the Chicago Sun-Tmes All-City Team. Also an outstanding baseball player, he hit .570 with 10 home runs and 52 stolen bases in his final campaign.
Butler is the fourth mid-year signee for the Redbirds and all four of have from California junior colleges. The other three are wide receiver Nolan Gatewood, linebacker Greg Helle and quarterback Kevin Zouzounis.
