Football Recruiting - Jackets Nab FL CB Mario Butler

It seems that Chan Gailey might be having the best start to a recruiting year since his arrival in the ATL. He just received a commit from 3-star CB Mario Butler, one of the top standouts from the state of Florida...... Butler is 6'1" 185lb, runs a 4.5-40, and helped his team win the 4A state title with 65 tackles and 3 or 4 INT's as he was consistently matched up with the opponent's top receivers. He also blocked 3 or 4 kicks last season.............. He had offers from Clemson, Louisville, Maryland, Ohio State, S.Carolina, VaTech, Cal, Nebraska, UCLA, Ill, UNC, BC, Vandy, WV, Ark, UCS, etc so the kid had major looks. He could basically go anywhere he wanted...... Virginia Tech coaches think his size speed combination is a lot like Jimmy Williams, which is why they were heavily recruiting him. He also runs track. UGA also recruited him very heavily as well. Mario's coach speaks incredible highly of the impact of Chan Gailey's involvement in recruiting. This is the first player from his high school to ever commit to the Jackets, which could help us in the future............. Academically, Mario struggled a little in the classroom, but worked hard to get his grades up and qualify from Tech. In fact, is "M.O." is that of a hard worker, both in the classroom and the weight room.


By the way, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were the first school to offer him a scholarship, showing that there is value in getting in early and staying on a guy. Buddy Geis was the lead recruiter from Butler.


So, why the bang-up start to recruiting this year? Is the 5-year contract extension (coaching stability) a factor? Is it the new coaching staff? Is there a new plan-of-attack for recruiting? Probably all of the above. Just keep it going!!! There's only one real tragedy in all this - a limit of 17 free rides. Give Chan the full complement of 25 and he just might stock the cupboards for years to come..........


Jacksonville.com: Sports: High School Sports: Story: Nease's Butler selects Georgia Tech 07/06/06