Butt catches everything in big win (w/video)

Pickerington (OH) North High School tight end, and 2013 Michigan commit, Jake Butt was one of the risers in the rankings throughout the summer with strong camp performances. Friday, in a blowout against Pickerington Central, Butt put the pads on and was a terror all over the field.

Pickerington North arrived at Pickerington Central Friday night with one thing on their mind: win.

And win they did.

North jumped on Central early and buried them late on their way to a 37-0 blowout that left half of the fantastic crowd walking away with heads held high in excitement.

“Its unbelievable,” senior tight end Jake Butt told GoBlueWolverine after the win. “We’ve worked for this all year long. We practiced hard this week, stayed in the film room. We’ve wanted this for four straight years, and the feeling is unbelievable to finally get it.”

“Every time you’re going to play Central you’re lined up across trying to beat the man, beat the hell out of the man across from you,” Butt said. “It’s a physical game and I’m glad we came out on top.”

Jake was a big part of North’s offensive attack, lining up one on one across from a corner on several occasions and getting the best of the match-up. Defensively, Butt came off the edge with a full head of steam, routinely disrupting Central’s offensive flow.

“Its not about me, it’s about the team,” said Butt. “Mason (North’s QB) did an excellent job of getting the ball to me. The line did an excellent job in protection. And our D played as one. That’s key when it comes to victory. Defense is key, and that shutout is big for our defense.”

When Butt arrives in Ann Arbor in January after enrolling early, the tight end position will undoubtedly take a step up. With the emergence of true freshman tight end Devin Funchess so far this season for the Wolverines, the tandem will provide match-up nightmares for defenses.

“Its an honor to even be compared in the same sentence as Devin,” said Butt. “He’s having a great season right now, and I just got to work my butt off to get to the level he is.”

Two coaches hoping Butt can get to that level quickly, and who made it down to Pickerington to watch the Columbus-area rivals clash, are head coach Brady Hoke and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery—who had an eye on fellow 2013 commitment Taco Charlton of Pickerington Central.

“It’s just amazing that they come down and support their commits like that,” said Butt. “Come out and see me and Taco, and I know Jaron (Dukes) was in the stands watching too. This was just an excellent experience overall.”

Charlton and Butt lined up opposite one another several times throughout the game, with Butt getting the best of his future teammate on a diving catch over the middle in the fourth quarter.

“Taco’s a great player,” said Butt. “Its always tough lining up across from him. He had an excellent game and I just want to wish him luck the rest of the season. I can’t wait to get up there and play with him at Michigan.”

To watch the full interview with Butt, including all of his highlights from Friday, press play below.