Evan Butts , a 6’4″, 225-pound tight end prospect out of Episcopal Academy (Newton Square, PA), participated in the University of Virginia football program’s one-day camp this past Saturday. He showed well, earning a scholarship offer from head coach Mike London. One day later, Butts verbally committed to the Hoos over offers from Boston College, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Florida, Temple and others.
Butts confirmed the commitment to TheSabre.com early Sunday afternoon, calling the situation a “dream come true.”
“Early on, Virginia was a school I identified as a dream school,” he added.
In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Butts said: “I immediately had the sense that Virginia was the right place for me. I’m beyond excited about it.”
Butts plays tight end and defensive end for Episcopal Academy, but he projects as a tight end at UVa. He is also known for his abilities as a long snapper, which certainly could be a major asset.
With Butts’ pledge, Virginia now has eight commitments in the class of 2014. He is the first projected tight end in the class, which also includes one running back, two offensive linemen, two defensive end/outside linebacker types, one free safety, and one place-kicker/punter.
TheSabre.com will have more on Butts’ commitment in the coming days.
EDGE Outlook: Prior to Butts’ decision, UVa was projected to have two seniors (Jake McGee and Zach Swanson), one junior (Rob Burns ), one sophomore (Mario Nixon ), and one red-shirt freshman/sophomore (Max Valles ) at the tight end position in the 2014 season. Butts gives UVa six scholarship tight ends in the 2014 season, and four heading into the 2015 season.
Butts is a promising prospect at the tight end position, and his snapping abilities make him all the more valuable. With Butts and place-kicker/punter Gary Wunderlich , Virginia has done well in addressing the special teams unit in this class.