Michigan State adds Liberty DT Dre Butler on signing day
Michigan State added Liberty defensive tackle Dre Butler (6-5, 300, Sr., Covington, GA, Liberty) to its 2023 recruiting class on Wednesday morning, filling a need for a physically mature interior defensive lineman. Butler’s commitment comes a day after the Spartans received a commitment from Florida State defensive tackle Jarrett Jackson (6-6, 300). The addition of Butler and Jackson should help Michigan State offset the loss of transfer Jalen Hunt and Dashaun Mallory.
Both Butler and Jackson have one year of eligibility remaining.
Butler came to Liberty as a mid-year enrollee in the Class of 2022 after playing two seasons at Auburn. Butler signed with Auburn as a JUCO All-American. He enjoyed four-star status by both Rivals.com and 247 when he signed with Auburn.
Butler signed with Auburn as the No. 14 overall JUCO prospect in the Class of 2022. He was a consensus Top 10 defensive lineman as a junior college prospect at Independence Community College.
Butler totaled 20 tackles and one sack across two seasons at Auburn before transferring to Liberty. At Liberty, Butler was a regular contributor on the interior defensive line. He played in all 13 games for Liberty in 2022 and finished the season with 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
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With the addition of Butler and Jackson, Michigan State should have good numbers on the interior defensive line for next season. Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon are expected to return as starters for Michigan State next season, with Maverick Hansen is likely to be the first player off the bench at the d-tackle position. That will leave redshirt freshman Alex Vansumeren, Butler and Jackson to compete for back-end rotation spots.
Butler signed with Michigan State without taking an official visit, as he was with Liberty preparing for the Boca Raton Bowl. Butler’s parents took the official visit to Michigan State in his place. Liberty lost the Boca Raton Bowl 21-19 to Toledo.
Butler is ranked No. 49 in the On3 Portal Transfer rankings at defensive tackle.
Michigan State rotates interior defensive linemen regularly, so there should be playing time available for both Jackson and Butler. It is difficult to find 300-pound defensive lineman, so the Spartans did a nice job addressing existing roster needs in the lead up to national signing day.
