Butler's move to DE

Submitted by caveman.lawyer on
Did anyone else find it curious that Carson Butler saw a fair number of snaps at defensive end against Purdue?  He clearly has the physical talent to play tight end, and I just assumed that his lack of playing time there were “doghouse” issues and nothing else.  Although I really like Kevin Koger, if Butler is out of the Rod’s doghouse, wouldn’t it make more sense to play both Koger and Butler at tight end or does Butler really have a future at DE?  Two tight ends are certainly not a staple of Rod’s offense, but I think you could really exploit having two athletic tight ends that are, at least in theory, better blockers than wide receivers.  If the defense is in a nickel package, you run at them and if the defense is in a 4-3, you spread the tight ends out and create mismatches with linebackers.
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Butler; tight ends

chitownblue (not verified)

November 6th, 2008 at 2:04 PM ^

Because Butler has proven, over the course of 4 years in the program, that he will not block. Koger isn't a great blocker either, but he can't be a more stubborn learner than butler.

Joined: 12/12/2017

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chitownblue (not verified)

November 6th, 2008 at 7:44 PM ^

Because being the 44th ranked Strongside DE makes him a low 3-star prospect - not anything special.

Because he played WR in high school, and wanted to stay on the offensive side of the ball in college.

Joined: 12/12/2017

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Enjoy Life

November 6th, 2008 at 8:04 PM ^

"Because being the 44th ranked Strongside DE makes him a low 3-star prospect - not anything special."

And now he's starting after a few weeks? Having not played the position for 3 years? And, he was "not anything special" as the 44th DE and was going to be better at TE???

We're Screwed

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 2658

Glen Masons Hot Wife

November 6th, 2008 at 2:12 PM ^

If Butler switched to DE what, a week ago? And he's already seeing PT, I'd say that's a very good sign. We could have something here.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 3685

PattyMax64

November 6th, 2008 at 2:21 PM ^

I think it was about 3 or 4 weeks ago.  I very well may be mistaken though, but definitely not last week. 

I think this is also a great sign from the coaches.  They have proven that they are not afraid to change the positions of players if they believe that they will help the team better at that position.

Joined: 07/21/2008

MGoPoints: 293

ShockFX

November 6th, 2008 at 2:15 PM ^

As Chitown (I think it was him anyway) said before, maybe Carson's disdain for blocking can be put to good use.

Joined: 07/16/2008

MGoPoints: 4073

WolvinLA

November 6th, 2008 at 2:29 PM ^

I don't know if Butler is a better blocker than anyone on the team.  You have to be willing to do it to be good.  Based on his athleticism, having him at DE might be a great idea.  With out lack of depth there, especially next year, and our overwhelming depth at TE, this might end up being a genius move.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 875

Anonymosity

November 6th, 2008 at 2:42 PM ^

I was only able to follow the game via box score on my phone, so I didn't even know he played at all.  I'm curious to see how his play reflects in UFR this week.

I can't imagine it will be pretty. They did, after all, give up 48 and 500+ yards to a BAD offense...

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 2482

MaizeNBlueJ

November 6th, 2008 at 4:11 PM ^

I don't know if I'd agree with that.  I remember seeing Jamison make a bunch of plays early, but then he did tail off.  I wasn't watching him specifically the whole time, but I don't remember Butler making any plays in particular, and there were at least 4-5 early for Jamison.  I could be wrong though.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 667

Yinka Double Dare

November 6th, 2008 at 4:07 PM ^

I think Butler starts at defensive end next year, and will actually be pretty good.  He's got good size for it and we know he's got the athletic ability.  Guy was a freak at TE athletically, too bad he was allergic to blocking and couldn't always catch.  These things won't be a problem.

I hope Graham sticks around but won't blame him if he leaves if he looks like a high rounder (I haven't really looked into where scouts rank him).  A line next year of Graham, Van Bergen and Butler on the end rotation, and Martin, Sagesse, Campbell, and Kates on the inside rotation could still at least be pretty solid.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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