BUTLER AT USC: Former Norcross star adjusts quickly
It's official: Brice Butler is California cool.
The silky smooth Norcross star is in Los Angeles, two weeks into some serious conditioning and preseason practice at the University of Southern California. Butler said he's loving the cool breeze, campus life and the electricity of the city. Even better for the freshman receiver, after an impressive showing at seven-on-seven drills, he thinks he can contribute right away.
"It's looking real good,"
Butler said. "Real good. I'm trying to get a starting spot. I'm learning the plays, the concepts, getting in my conditioning and just trying to prepare myself for the season."
A starting position with the Trojans, who could begin the season ranked in the top five and who return two of their top receivers?
"Yeah, I have a chance if I do what I'm supposed to do,"
Butler said. "They don't have a set depth chart. It just goes on who does the best in [preseason practices]. It's equal opportunity."
Butler, an AJC Super 11 pick who racked up more than 1,186 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns last season, quickly has shown teammates that he has the tools to play. Butler has shown them his football knowledge in knowing how to read coverages before the snap, he said, and the long-legged receiver has surprised defensive backs with his 4.4 speed.
"They didn't expect that from me. The first day, I got 'em with my speed. I blew by them a couple of times. Now they know they have to play,"
Butler said.
Coaches aren't allowed at the seven-on-seven drills, but USC coach Pete Carroll in February said on his Web site (www.petecarroll.com) that Butler displayed "the best route running we've seen in years."
Butler, a Super Prep All American in 2007, has added 15 pounds —- up to 195 —- since last season. The Trojans are making sure he stays fit and strong. There's a difference, Butler said, in the lifting and running regimens at USC compared to high school.
"In high school, you work out probably two-and-a-half hours, and you do whatever you've got to do,"
Butler said. "Out here, you work out for an hour-and-a half, but you get a whole bunch in. It's an hour-and-a-half nonstop. You're not even allowed to bend over. The first day was kind of tough because the air is different out here."
"It just killed me."
But Butler made the adjustment and said he's handling the workouts just fine. He also had no problem adjusting to life in Los Angeles, with few exceptions.
"I miss not having to pay for anything,"
he said. "You go out for dinner, my mom and dad paid. Now, I've got to pay for everything."
Butler, who's personable and has a quick smile, said he has already made "some quality friends" at USC, and they've made their way around Los Angeles. But don't expect Butler to get caught up in the lights of the big city. He receives plenty of advice from his father, Bobby, a former player at Florida State who went on to play 12 years with the Falcons.
"He just says to stay focused and do what you've got to do and keep God first and you'll be on top,"
the son said. "I just want to do the best I can and make the most of my opportunities."
