Andrew Butcher has been committed to Tennessee for over 13 months and has never once had second thoughts about his decision. Even as schools like Alabama, Notre Dame and Stanford have extended interest and offers, the Alpharetta, GA native has remained solid to Tennessee and openly recruits other players around the country to join him in the ‘Dream Team’ 2015 class.
When it comes to why he originally chose Tennessee and why he will ultimately enroll early with the Vols in December, Butcher was very candid about what drew him towards UT and what has kept him committed for so long.
“Everything – the family environment, the facilities, the tradition, my relationship with all the coaches, the amazing fans,” Butcher told RTI. “Everything about Tennessee just feels right. It really hasn’t been difficult for me (to turn away other schools) because Tennessee is such a good fit. There is no way I don’t go to Tennessee unless something extremely drastic and unexpected happens. I’m a Vol.”
Butcher isn’t shy about the fact that he now spends much of his time helping the Tennessee staff recruit other players. In fact, he is proud that Butch Jones trusts him to be a representative of his class and understands the importance of his work on the trail.
“Coach Jones tells us that it’s more important for prospects to be recruited by other players than by coaches. We want other recruits to hear it from us so they know it’s the truth. Players believe their peers. They hear the same thing from coaches all over the country, we want them to hear it from us so that they know we are all in and that the coaches are being honest with them.”
Butcher has even left his schedule open for when he will take his official visit in the fall so he can coordinate it with the weekend that will feature the most big-time recruits in Knoxville.
“I haven’t set my official date yet, but I’ll probably try to take it with Jack Jones on the weekend that has the most top prospects visiting. He and I are kind of the top recruiters for our class, so we want to be sure we are there for the biggest weekend. I think I’m a little bit better at recruiting than he is, but we’ll see.”
The Vols currently have four commitments from the state of Georgia to add to the four they signed last year. A trend that Butcher enjoys seeing.
“We (Tennessee) are taking over this state in recruiting in my opinion. Some Georgia fans may have other things to say regarding that, and that’s ok. They’ll see. But I promise we play big boy football down here, though. Tennessee fans wont be disappointed.”
When it comes to what goals he has for himself and the players he is trying to recruit, the answer is short and simple.
“A national championship. That’s our ultimate goal, a national championship. We want players to come to Tennessee who have the same goals and feel the same way.”
Quick Fire
What is your favorite professional sports team?
The Miami Heat…But only with LeBron. I’m a big LeBron fan.
What is your favorite meal?
Lasagna.
Do you have a favorite band or musical artist?
I’m probably going to lose some Tennessee fans with this one, but I have to go with Gucci Mane.
What is something about you that people don’t know?
I won a state championship in wrestling in 7th grade. Then I gave up wrestling to focus on football.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Probably just playing football and lifting weights.
If you could eat dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be?
LeBron James.
