Vandy lands commitment from DT Jordan Butler
Vanderbilt landed a significant piece to their defensive front line on Friday with the commitment of IMG Academy (Fla.) defensive tackle Jordan Butler.
He detailed his decision to become a Commodore.
"My relationship with Coach (Jovan) Haye has really grown a lot since I've went through spring ball," Butler explained. "That was one of the main things I was looking for throughout the recruiting process, a school that I felt comfortable and I felt I had a genuine relationship with the coaches."
"Those were the big things that Vanderbilt had. They are one of the best schools in the country academically and getting a degree from there is going to change my life."
Butler further described his relationship with defensive line coach Jovan Haye and what the Commodores like about his abilities.
"He's honest. He's genuine with me. He told me what my role would be. He was in the NFL, so he knows how to get there and he can help me get there one day."
"They like my get-off. Coach Haye said that's really important for a defensive lineman. They see me as a nose technique, so I can stop the run and get to the passer when I need to."
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, the three-star prospect received an offer from the Commodores in April of last year and has picked up offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Pitt, and Southern Cal along the way.
Butler hasn't been to Vanderbilt yet, but is hoping to get up to West End sometime this summer.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect began playing high school football at Desert Pines (Nev.) before transferring to IMG Academy for his junior season, where he recorded 19 tackles in just five games.
His time at IMG Academy has allowed him to become a better overall player.
"I'll be honest, when I first got there rushing the passer was my kryptonite. Those third down and longs hit and I really didn't know what to do. But, since I've been there my pass rush has improved a lot, my technique has improved a lot. My football IQ has also improved. I'm able to read blocks a lot better."
Butler becomes the fifth commitment for the Commodores in the 2020 recruiting class, joining Fletcher (Fla.) offensive tackle Bradley Ashmore, Weatherford (Tex.) quarterback Ken Seals, Tomball (Tex.) Memorial wide receiver Logan Kyle, and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) outside linebacker Griffin Lampton.
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