Butterfield switches pledge to Arkansas State

Lake Hamilton quarterback Philip Butterfield didn't have much time for reflection as the Wolves made a 6A state title run this fall. However, atfer he caught his breath last week, he rethought his commtiment to Tulsa and switched his pledge to Arkansas State. Butterfield committed to Tulsa in the spring. "I thought about it after the season," he said. "Our season was amazing, and overcoming adversity took a lot of focus and character. I didn't want to make a decision during the year. After a lot of thought and payer I decided I wanted to be a Red Wolf." Butterfield said he developed a "good" relationship with ASU head coach Steve Roberts and assistants David Gunn (running back coach) and Doug Ruse (offensive coordinator/quarterback coach). The ASU staff vigorously recruited the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder even after the committed to Tulsa. He attended two ASU games but didn't officially visit the school. "Tulsa is a great school, but in the end, I thought Arkansas State was a better fit," Butterfield said. The two-time all-stater went on to say there "were a few factors that pointed me to ASU " but refused to be specific. He said Tulsa hadn't reneged on its offer, and that he wasn't concerned with rumors that connected TU head coach Todd Graham with coaching vacancies. Butterfield said Tulsa offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, an Arkansas native, was supportive when informed of the decision. "Coach Malzahn is a great coach and has a bright future ahead of him," Butterfield said. The Red Wolves finished 7-6 this season but failed to earn a bowl game berth after losing to Troy in the regular-season finale. ASU star quarterback Corey Leonard returns for his senior season and several other key players join him Jonesboro in 2009. "I like what Arkansas State has going for them," Butterfield said. "Coach Roberts and his staff have done a good job building for future success. I hope to be a part of it. He made my decision easy."