Freshman Brady Rust attempts a pass in today’s intrasquad scrimmage at BG Veteran Sports Complex on Tuesday, May 2. Butler held their annual Spring Game on Friday, May 5.
Photo by C. Chaney
Charles Chaney
Student Sports Media
Nothing can motivate you more than a bad season. Coming off their worst season in 20 years, Football Coach Tim Schaffner and the Butler Grizzlies head into their spring game with renewed vigor.
“You can say we had some unfinished business,” Schaffner said.
Coming off a 7-5 season in which the Grizzlies blew three fourth quarter leads en route to a Salt City Bowl loss on Dec. 3. That has not dampened the spirits of the team as they go through their April spring practices, which led up to their Friday, May 5 Spring Game at BG Products Veteran Sports Complex.
“I like what we have in terms of transfers,” Schaffner said. “I think we have a chance to be really good next year.”
With only one quarterback returning on the roster, freshman Brady Rust, Schaffner and Co. went out and procured Chris Helbig, a transfer from the University of Colorado. Originally committed to play basketball at Colorado Christian, he walked onto the Buffalo’s program before transferring to Butler. Helbig has not played in a game since Oct. 2015 when he tore both his MCL and ACL.
“Helbig has the potential to really lead this team,” Schaffner said. “He has that moxie we’re looking for.”
Outside of transfers, Schaffner is high on his recruiting class. With restrictions removed, allowing unlimited out of state recruiting, the Grizzlies still stayed home while mixing in a ton of Lone Star talent. Look for incoming freshman Trae Self to compete immediately for a starting spot at quarterback. He threw for 40 touchdowns as a senior at North Richland Hills in Texas.
While not qualifying academically, Tancy Richardson, a four-star recruit out of the South Carolina will immediately pay dividends for the Grizzlies in the secondary. He originally committed and signed with Kansas State before signing with Butler.
With 43 freshmen on the roster this past season, Butler struggled in key situations. That appears to have changed through the early part of spring practices. They seem more business-like as many inexperienced players who walked on a college field for the first time ever, will venture into leadership roles next season. Sophomores Myron Mitchell and C.J. Sims will provide a lethal 1-2 punch at receiver, as they’re both regarded as two top five JUCO wide receivers.
“People forget how young we were last year,” Schaffner said. “I expect big things for us.”
Butler had their Spring Game on Friday, May 5. They will renew their practices in early August for the 2017 season.
