DJ Butler
About DJ
Expert Analysis
Carl Frederick | Prep Redzone Scout
Currently DJ Butler is the top ranked linebacker in Maryland’s 2029 class and ranks 5th overall playing for St. John’s College. This is a rising sophomore who already holds power 4 offers, if Butler arrives tomorrow, he will turn heads! He can fly sideline to sideline and his footwork is nearly perfect, beginning to understand more why he has 12 Division 1 offers.
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Read EvaluationEd OBrien | Prep Redzone Scout
Butler started on the varsity team his entire freshman year. Maryland and Syracuse are among his early offers. There’s no question that he’ll pick up some more this offseason. Butler started 6-of-11 games and made 32 tackles (17 solo, 5 TFL’s) and two pass breakups.
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Read EvaluationTodd Haldis | Prep Redzone Scout
DJ is a player I saw in week one and he came on the scene like a missile. Has already proven himself to be a top prospect on colleges boards, picking up two P4 offers since the beginning of the season.
Standing 6’1″ with a frame that can easily hold 225+ in time, DJ is a great body kid and fits the mold for the position. An athletic ILB who fits perfect in a 2 LB scheme. DJ plays fast and flies around the field. He’s got superb fluidity in his hips for the position. Quick to turn & run, re-direct and go get ball. Another freshman on this top 5 that plays above their years in understanding the game. Shows high on-field IQ, quick to read, identify, and react. DJ has also show he can be effective in coverage. Able to drop into the hook/curl as well as get out to the flats. Can read routes and athletic enough to stay with WR’s/RB’s that flash in front of him and is then quick to close to make the play.
A playmaking LB that can get all over the field with the quick twitch athleticism to pair with the physicality to lay the wood on ball carriers. DJ is a do it all LB that will continue to generate a lot of interest from colleges this fall.
On to the next
Week 5 loading https://t.co/aaj7KzzCwT pic.twitter.com/fNQ63uq0yL
— DJ Butler
DJ Butler 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB St John's College High School | 2029 State MD (@DakotaButlerJr) September 21, 2025
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Read EvaluationRyan States | Prep Redzone Scout
- In 2025 LB DJ Butler was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.
- Watching Butler play it is very easy to see his future as a dominant mike linebacker, as his speed and willingness to make plays in the run game are second to none. But his best traits are his field vision, and coverage ability. Butler is able to effortlessly read the QB’s eyes, and play just far enough away from his receiver to bait the throw, then drift over and snag it for himself.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
One of three Virginia 2029 prospects to stand out on the defensive side of the ball, Butler had a nice day at linebacker at camp. Attended his first PRZ Next camp two years ago and measured in at 5-foot-3 and 135 pounds, but is now up to a solid 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds. He’s another prospect I saw just last month at AYF Nationals in Florida. Did a good job of using his length to his advantage. In a camp setting linebackers are often at a disadvantage because they do a lot of pass coverage, but Butler held his own. Has pretty good feet, plays on his toes and bounces nicely awaiting the back or receiver to make their move. He has some room for improvement in overall speed, but there’s a lot to work with here.
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