Jevon Butler likes to stick people.
That’s why the Archbishop Murphy senior will pass up a chance to play running back in sunny Hawaii to be a defensive back at the University of Idaho.
“I love hitting,” Butler said. “I like hitting people more than taking the hits.”
Butler was twice named the Class 1A state player of the year, based mostly on his performance as a fullback. He led the Wildcats to the last two state titles and rushed for 4,893 yards and 53 touchdowns during his three varsity seasons at Archbishop Murphy.
Hawaii, he said, joined the picture late and was more interested in him as an offensive player.
“I didn’t meet any of (Hawaii’s) coaches, and didn’t want to wait until the late signing period,” said Butler, who helped the Wildcats shut out Zillah in the 2003 state championship game from his free safety position.
Butler said he developed a good relationship with the Idaho coaching staff, including new head coach Nick Holt and assistant head coach Jeff Mills, who coaches the safeties.
Butler liked the reaction he got from Mills when he called to offer his oral commitment over the weekend.
“He said he was driving his car and that he would have to pull over so he could do back flips,” said Butler, who has been timed at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Butler will become one of the rare Class A high school football players to earn a full scholarship to play Division I college football.
“It has been a dream of mine ever since I was little,” Butler said.
Aaron Coe writes for The Herald in Everett.
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