Jabari Butler
Cornerback / North Carolina A&T
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Jabari Butler: 5’11, 185 and 4.3. At Penn State, I ran a 4.37 when I first got there. After training at Penn State, I ran a 4.34. When we timed it the next time, I ran a 4.33.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Jabari Butler: I had Tulane, Rice and Wyoming. Going into my senior season, I was waiting for a couple of schools to come through like Arizona and Duke. Those offers never came. All spots got pulled. I graduated and I had nowhere to go. I started going to camps and went to Baylor’s camp. I wanted to go there, but it was too late in the process.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Abilene Christian?
Jabari Butler: They offered me on the spot at Baylor’s camp. It was my only offer.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career at Abilene Christian?
Jabari Butler: I was last on the depth chart when I came in. Guys were getting injured during the spring. They had ACL tears. They were doing two-a-days. At the end of camp, I was second string. The guy in front of me got injured during the first game, and I played against Fresno State. I got my first start against Houston Baptist. I had two picks in that game. I caught six picks my freshman season. During my sophomore season, I started again, but I wanted to be closer to home. My family is from Maryland. I send some film out. I was interested in Penn State because they were the best school from my area.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Penn State?
Jabari Butler: I came out on a visit. They had Saquon Barkley that year. They beat OSU and beat Wisconsin in the Big 12 Championship game and went to the Rose Bowl. They offered me a preferred walk-on spot. I had to redshirt my first year. The second year, there was a battle at camp. They had their starters set at corner. I played in six games, but mainly on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: How did you eventually wind up at North Carolina A&T for your final season?
Jabari Butler: They had a corner situation. They were looking for one. I played in three games, but I got hurt. I had a hamstring and an ankle injury.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Jabari Butler: I am a ballhawk. I am a playmaker with speed. I can play special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Jabari Butler: Sharpening up everything. I am putting the best foot forward. I have to get to the standard and maintain it.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training?
Jabari Butler: I am at Clay Mack Skills in Dallas, Texas. It is an Aqib Talib facility. His family runs it.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Jabari Butler: On March 26th at North Carolina A&T.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Jabari Butler: During my sophomore year, I had two INT’s against McNeese State.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Jabari Butler: The footwork. You have to be able to keep up with the receivers.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Jabari Butler: I am a Giants fan. I grew up New Jersey and Maryland.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Jabari Butler: Eli Manning.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Jabari Butler: CB Mac McCain and RB Jah-Maine Martin.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Jabari Butler: RB Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Jabari Butler: Still getting better and improving after playing for so long.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Jabari Butler: Video games.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Jabari Butler: I was a telecommunication major. I graduated. I want to get involved with a gaming startup.
Alex Khvatov: What one word best describes you?
Jabari Butler: Focused.
