The fall wasn't shaping up to be a memorable one for Pittsburg (Calif.) running back Breon Butler.
Recruiters had ignored him since a shoulder operation during his junior year. They were more focused on the team's starting running back -- Erick Dargan.
Dargan, who signed with Oregon and had offers from Arizona State, Colorado, UCLA, Washington and Washington State, suffered a season-ending injury in the third game, though, and that opened the door for Butler.
Butler went on to average 7.3 yards per carry, score 11 touchdowns and earn a scholarship from UND. He signed a letter of intent on Wednesday.
"It was a lot of hard work," Butler said. "Everything fell into place. It was bad that we lost a player, but everybody slept on me. Everybody thought I wasn't going to do very well because I had the injury and surgery the year before. I had a lot to prove."
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In his six games as starting running back, Pittsburg went 5-1. Butler had three 100-yard games and scored multiple touchdowns in five of the six games.
"Right at the end of last year, before I had the surgery, Boise State was talking to me and talking about offering me," Butler said. "After the surgery, pretty much all of the recruiters gave up. They didn't think I was going to be that good. They didn't think I was going to be able to use that shoulder. I had to prove them wrong."
Butler's coach got in touch with UND defensive coordinator Mike Mannausau, who got tape from two of Butler's games. The running back visited campus during December and "pretty much committed on the spot," head coach Chris Mussman said.
"I thought it was beautiful," Butler said. "The place reminded me a lot of home, Pittsburg itself. It's small and you can't really get lost anywhere."
Butler caught six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown and added 679 rushing yards. His 7.3 yard per carry average was better than that of Dargan (6.5), who is expected to play safety at Oregon.
Standing at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Butler is known as a speed back. Rivals.com lists his 40 time as 4.5.
"I'm more of a speed back, but I can surprise you with power," Butler said. "There's really no telling what I'm going to do."
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
