Darius Butler Stats Scouting Report

SCOUTING REPORT: The nephew of former NFL safety Gene Atkins and cousin of Ravens running-back Willis McGahee, Butler looks primed to continue the family tradition of NFL activity next year. A well-built corner with solid burst, fluid hips, and a tendency to be around the ball in key situations, Butler has an above-average set of tools that are enhanced by his general awareness and IQ on the field. His vertical athleticism makes up for a lack of ideal, shut-down height (5'11"). He plays with quality football instincts and is an adequate tackler with an aggressive attitude towards run stuffing. Butler also has a knack for making quality plays on balls in the air; his soft hands help him ball-hawk without drawing penalties, while his excellent footwork and seamless transitions allow him to maximize positioning regardless of route. Butler needs to work on his straight-line speed and some minor technical points, but overall, this kid has the tools and intangible strengths to develop into a quality NFL defensive back. - STATS

Sports Xchange Scouting Report

OVERVIEW:

Even with Connecticut's ascent as a prominent program, the number of players the program is producing might be surprising to those outside the conference. While running back Donald Brown is a known prospect, Butler is likely to be the first UConn player drafted in 2009, despite the fact that he missed the team's final two regular-season games with a knee injury. The four-year starter and two-year captain is athletic enough to project to a man or zone scheme and answered scouts' concerns about his recovery with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Butler wasn't often challenged in 2008 and he finished without an interception. Conference coaches elected the versatile playmaker a first-team all-conference selection and Butler has proven his takeaway ability in the past, recording 10 interceptions over his first three seasons. Butler's uncle, Gene Atkins, played in the NFL and his cousin is Baltimore Ravens' running back Willis McGahee.

ANALYSIS:

Positives: Adequate height for the position. ... Versatile athlete capable of playing in various defensive schemes. ... Instinctive. ... Good recognition in zone. ... Legitimate cover corner athleticism. ... Very good straight-line speed. ... Loose hips to turn and run with receivers. ... Shows a late burst to close. ... Excellent vertical, can get into position for jump balls and make a play on the ball. ... When playing off, he can shadow his man on slants and over the middle. ... Good hands for the interception. ... Played receiver at times as a senior to take advantage of his playmaking ability. ... Get hiss shoulder on the ball to force fumbles. ... Closes quickly and wraps up to prevent gains after catch. ... Gets into the pile to assist in tackles. ... Holds up blocks to force quick screens inside. ... Has the straight-line speed and hands to be an effective kick returner. ... Proved his health with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Negatives: Very lanky with thin hips. ... Not particularly strong on the line or able to get off blocks. ... Bit of a duck-and-swipe tackler. ... Does not always play to timed speed, as quicker receivers can get separation downfield. ... Can get pushed off easily by bigger, stronger receivers. ... Allows too much cushion in off man coverage. ... Missed the final two regular-season games in 2008 with a knee sprain.

HIGH SCHOOL:

The first student-athlete to ever sign a national letter of intent from Coral Springs Charter...Listed among the top 20 recruits in talent-rich Broward County by the Miami Herald despite not playing football until his junior year...Named All-County by both the Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel...An honorable mention All-State selection...Playing quarterback in an option offense, he both rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards in 2003 while also starting at safety on defense...Totaled 2,491 total yards as a senior and was responsible for 25 touchdowns...Finished third in Broward County in rushing yards in 2003 and was second in completions, attempts and passing yards...Selected for the Dade-Broward All Star Game...Team captain...Named preseason All-County this year in basketball and has scored over 1,000 career points.

PERSONAL:

One of eight siblings ... Uncle, Gene Atkins, played in the NFL from 1987-96 with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins ... Cousin of Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee, an All-American at Miami in 2002.