Butler Opts to Stay Local With Commitment to Cal

The Bears stayed hot on the commitment trail with today’s commitment from 5-11/170 Antioch High School cornerback Dejuan Butler this morning.

The relationship had been building since at least last season, with Butler attending his first game in Memorial.

“Cal has been in my family so long,” said Butler. “My auntie went to Cal and that played a big part in my decision. It’s also pretty close to home and that’s big so my family can come and watch me, too.”

What else was it about Cal that made the Bears the right choice for Butler?

“Just everything,” said Butler. “The academics, the Life After Ball program, everything. 

“They did a really good job about giving me information about what they do as a team, what they look for in the mentality of the player and how they prepare  you mentally and physically.”

The speedy Butler (10.8 100, 22.12 200) announced his commitment on Twitter this morning, saying:

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play this game. I want to thank all the schools and coaching staffs that have been active in recruiting me and believing in me.

“I want to thank my parents and everyone who has believed in and supported me during my years of playing this game.

“I would like to announce that I will be attending the University of California Berkeley. Happy birthday, Dad. #GoBears

Butler has been a high target for the Bears at DB and has visited campus on several occasions, building his relationship with the Cal staff, players and recruits. He noted the relationships he’s developed with frosh receiver Makai Polk, running back Marcel Dancy and fellow Cal recruit Trey Paster as particularly strong.

Butler’s relationship with the Cal staff was another thing that attracted him to the Bears, particularly DB coach Gerald Alexander.

“My relationship with Coach Alexander is great,” said Butler. “Really close. Really tight.

“He’s a real coach. He doesn’t lie to you or sugarcoat anything. He’s always going to be straight with you.”

As a junior, Butler had 48 tackles, one interception, one tackle for loss and nine passes defended for the Panthers. He also averaged 11.1 yards per carry on 11 carries as a soph on offense.

Butler became the 13^th commitment of the class, joining Corona Centennial DB Isaiah Young on the defensive side of the ball along with Portland LB Andy Alfieri, Hawaii LB Mo Iosefa and St. Louis-Honolulu DT Stanley McKenzie on the defensive side of the ball.

An excellent student with a 3.8 gpa, the Bears beat out UCLA and Boise State among others for Butler’s services.