Vernon Butler proves you can reach the pinnacle from Louisiana Tech
Ruston is 200 miles from Summit, Mississippi, but it seems Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler has come a lot further than that. The 285-pound prospect out of North Pike High School has developed into a 325-pound monster who is on the verge of being a very high pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
Most pundits have Butler as a first or second round pick in the 2016 Annual Selection Meeting, commonly known as the NFL draft.
“I expect to go higher than that to be honest—Top 10 or 15 overall,” Butler told BleedTechBlue.com.
If increasing his draft stock is what he’s interested in, “Big Vern” came to the right place. He’s spent the past week in Mobile, Alabama—a city every NFL scout, coach, and general manager descends upon for one week out of the year.
“The Senior Bowl has been a great experience. I’m truly blessed to be a part of something this special. I really got to show all of the scouts what I'm about.”
“I feel like I’m the top defensive tackle here at the Senior Bowl.”
“I’ve literally met with every team here and some teams twice,” Butler said. “I even met with some of the General Managers.”
“The teams that have shown the most interest in me are the Panthers, Lions, Bears, Browns, Saints, Seahawks, and Dolphins.”
The Saints are an interesting possibility being just 100 miles from his hometown. They spent a fifth round pick on defensive tackle Tyeler Davison last year. Other than that they have Kevin Williams, who is a free agent and will turn 36 years old before the start of the season, and former third round pick John Jenkins who is entering the final year of his contract.
“The Saints really like me,” Butler said with a laugh. “They told me I have to stay close to home. I wouldn’t mind that at all.”
Vernon spent part of his Senior Bowl week under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who is best known for developing Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice during his time as defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Coach Rod is a really great coach,” Butler said. “He’s one of the best in the business.”
With National Signing Day just around the corner we asked Vernon if he had any advice for any athletes that may be on the fence about coming to Louisiana Tech.
“My advice for them would be that you don’t have to go to a bigger school to get noticed by the NFL. Look at myself and Kenneth Dixon. We are highly rated athletes from Tech. Tech has everything those other schools have. You don’t have to get caught up in the hype about conferences. If you work hard you will get noticed.”
Vernon speaks from experience having spurned offers for Ole Miss and Mississippi State to play at Louisiana Tech.
He cited “winning back to back bowl games against Illinois and Arkansas State” as his favorite moments in college.
When asked about his preparation for the draft, Butler replied “I really don’t focus on the draft. I like to think of it as tunnel vision. I just work hard and let it all fall into place.”
Vernon Butler will take a big step towards an NFL career today in Mobile. The next big step will be at the NFL Scouting Combine next month in Indianapolis.