Ohio’s Butler has Clemson in list with West Virginia and Arizona State

Defensive back Tony Butler of Lakewood, Ohio has cut his list to Clemson, Arizona State and West Virginia and has set his announcement date for Oct. 5. Butler visited Clemson and West Virginia unofficially this summer. He will take an official visit to Arizona State either Sept.13 or Sept. 25. That will be his only visit between now and his decision.

Butler has remained in regular contact with Clemson since his visit in late July following his decommitment from Pittsburgh.

'They like me a lot and want me to take my time with my decision," Butler said. "It's definitely a blessing to be able to get noticed by a great program and a great school. It's just an honor honestly, more an honor to me than it is to them. I owe the coaches a lot for believing in me and my abilities. We'll see where I go on decision day."

Butler also is getting the strong sale from West Virginia and Arizona State and realizes he has a tough decision to make in a few short weeks.

"Obviously, all these coaches are great because they have great programs," he said. "They have great character, great resumes. I have to find that feel of feeling comfortable. These three places I will go is going to be kind of far. That's really the big thing for me. All three schools have my major which was a big thing in my recruiting. Just how I feel comfort level wise, also playing time, but that comes with the comfort. It's definitely going to be tough but I've got to do what's best for me."

Butler said once he commits he will be finished with recruiting though if he chooses Clemson or West Virginia he will take an official visit to that school. And he said there currently is no leader among the final three.

Butler opens his season this Saturday.

Other Notes

Clemson will get an official visit from DL David Marshall of Thomaston, GA. Marshall announced he will set his dates with Clemson, Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama and Miami. He has not yet set the dates.