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BURST OF ENERGY

MNW grad Butcher a steady influence up front for Tritons

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Manson Northwest Webster graduate Tim Butcher (holding the football without his helmet) recovers a fumble for Iowa Central inside Dodger Stadium earlier this year.

While Tim Butcher is living out his boyhood dream of chasing down quarterbacks on Saturdays, there are still visions of a bigger stage in mind.

Butcher’s dream was to play Division I football out of high school, but when the offers didn’t come through, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound lineman took a different approach and enrolled at Iowa Central.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to play college football. Iowa Central was the place to make that come true,” the Manson Northwest Webster graduate said.

The Manson Northwest Webster graduate grew up going to camps and playing football with current University of Northern Iowa offensive lineman Cal Twait. With Butcher and Twait on the same field, Triton head coach Kevin Twait saw plenty of potential in his current star from the start.

“He came to our lineman camp every here and just tore it up,” Twait said. “Ever since he was young, I told him that you’ll have a scholarship at Iowa Central. I don’t care if you use us as a stepping stone, but you’ll have a spot here.

“Tim and Cal are best friends, and he’s been a friend of the family since they were young boys. They always went after it and fed off of each other. Cal always sings his praises.”

Butcher, who was a first team all-state selection his senior year and second-team pick as a junior, decided that playing for the Tritons was the right decision at the right time.

“I decided to go the JUCO route to better myself and hopefully earn some D-I offers,” Butcher said. “I’m hoping to get a D-I scholarship and be able to play college football and further my academics and then move back on the farm and start working.

“It’s nice to be able to play close to home, and my parents were happy with that.”

Even though the wins haven’t been there in Butcher’s campaign at Iowa Central, the sophomore has been a force on the defensive line. So far this season, he has 11 solo tackles, 51 total tackles and a sack, to go along with one fumble recovery and 10 quarterback hits.

For his career, Butcher has 86 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He played in all 10 games as a freshman, starting in five, and has been in the lineup for all eight contests this season. He has started the last 13 games for the Tritons.

“There is a reason he’s the strongest guy on the team; he takes great pride in his weight-room work,” Twait said. “He just attacks it. He benches close to 440 pounds and squats over 600.

“He’s made himself a great player. Tim was a darn good wrestler, too, finishing second his senior year and losing in overtime (in the finals). He understands leverage and pad level and has played with injuries, which is tough to do at this level.”

Despite the team’s struggles, Twait adds that Butcher has been a model of consistency.

“We have had about eight defensive linemen go either D-I or FCS since I’ve been here, and Tim is easily in the Top-10 as the best I’ve had (in 22 seasons),” Twait said. “He’s an outstanding leader who leads by example.

“He’s a solid student with a GPA in the mid 3’s, and an academic all-region selection. He has great study habits and has set himself up for success. His parents have raised him right.”

Butcher knows the choice to play at Iowa Central has kept his dreams of being a major college football player alive.

“It’s awesome playing for Coach Twait. I love playing for the guy,” Butcher said. “I’ve known him for a long time, growing up in Manson.

“I wouldn’t have these opportunities without him.”

According to Twait, Butcher has received a handful of Div. II looks and a preferred walk-on offer from Iowa State. Last week, Northern Iowa defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson called Twait to throw the Panthers’ hat in the mix.

“I got an offer from Northern Iowa recently, which really meant a lot to me,” Butcher said.

GET TO KNOW

Nickname: Butch.

Dinner with a pro: Vince Wilfork.

Phone app: Snapchat.

Favorite call on defense: Texas.

If you could play a skills position which would you play: Fullback.

Favorite team: New England Patriots.

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