Interview: Breakout Season Ahead for 2021 Calabasas WR Amoni Butler

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When some underclassmen have to wait their turn on the gridiron, that holds a different meaning in different circumstances. For Class of 2021 receiver Amoni Butler (6-2, 170), supplanting two of the top senior receivers in the nation, Johnny Wilson (6-6, 225), an Arizona State signee, and Jermaine Burton (6-2, 193), a Georgia signee, was not going to happen, and that holds true for any other receiver in the nation. Still, the opportunity for time on the field was had last season for Butler along with the chance to learn from two of the best four-star wide outs in the country. In addition to working with the best, he got to haul in passes from one of the best 2020 dual-threats in Jaden Casey (Cal).

When the 2020 season gets rolling, Butler will take over the reigns as the Coyotes top receiving threat and will have another top gunslinger feeding him the rock, three-star Finn Collins. Feeding into the fun of it all, college programs are already starting to find out about Butler. Montana and Wyoming are aware of Butler, and the list is sure to grow with tentative college camp dates set in Florida and Southern California. All adds up to a breakout season for Butler in 2020.

In another visit to the RNG Lab, Butler updates his offseason workouts and training with Formula 4 Speed.

*Click link for Jan. 14, 2020, RNG video interview with Amoni Butler

Interview

Amoni, we caught up last after the 2019 season had ended. For those that may not have seen our video interview, how did last season go for you on the field?

“Last season on the field for me was up and down, because I did not have the super-duper breakout year with the other guys on the team ahead of me (4-stars Johnny Wilson (ASU) and Jermaine Burton (Georgia). I had to wait my turn. That can be a struggle, but it was cool to have the experience. I am ready to go for next season.”

The Coyotes were running a Spread offense, what were some of the routes you were running within the scheme?

“Our offense was simple really. We went off the numbers. I was running pretty much everything in the route tree, slants and go-routes. I was in the slot a lot running corners, slants and outs. I did some go-routes on the outside too.”

Calabasas has a new staff this season, what style of offense will you guys run?

“We will Spread them out for sure. Right now, we are trying to get some guys on the offensive line. I think we will be doing a lot of quick game stuff in the offense. My little brother is a receiver also, we are talented on offense. We will try to get the ball into our guy’s hands as fast as possible.”

How will the coaches utilize you within the scheme?

“As the main tool in the offense. My brother, Jaylen Blizzard, Devin Hardy, and whoever else, we have a talented group. I am the biggest and tallest receiver we have. I liked to be used as a deep threat, but it is up to the offensive line. I will be a big target in the offense this season.”

Are you taking on any new positions?

“My coach wants me to get some DB this season, my dad (Rob Butler) wants me to as well. He was a DB in the League. I played some DB in Little League.”

Given all that you will be doing in the upcoming season, which areas of your game have you been focusing on this spring?

“Working on getting bigger. I was 160, but I am 170 now. I have been in the weight room. With the virus, I am in my room lifting weights. I am getting bigger for sure. I am also getting faster; my speed is there. I am also working on my hand strength. I am doing workouts to get my hands stronger.”

Before everything was shutdown, were you playing on a 7v7 travel team?

“Yes. I played with Formula 4 Speed in a couple of games.”

How did the tournaments with Formula 4 Speed go for you?

“In the tournaments I did get to play, I played in one in Fresno, I think, it was great. It is always great to play 7v7. It is great to go against other talented players and to see who all is coming back. You can evaluate yourself playing 7v7. I feel I am better than a lot of players I was seeing out there, guys ranked ahead of me and with offers. Playing 7v7 with Formula was a confidence boost for me.”

How is, or was, the training with Formula helping you?

“The training is good of course. It is great working with my teammates. It was good competing and training; I have to continue it. I have to keep working on my timing.”

Amoni, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck with the rest of your spring workouts until we talk again.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Butler family; Amoni Butler at San Diego State