Arizona State linebacker Darien Butler makes decision on 2022 season
It would appear that Arizona State linebacker Darien Butler has made up his mind on the next step in his career.
Butler has accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl. According to Rivals, Butler has been preparing for ASU’s bowl game against Wisconsin and practicing with the team. He could still play in the Las Vegas Bowl, but a trip to the Shrine Bowl in February would, in effect, be a declaration for the NFL Draft.
IT’S A GO❕
The #ShrineBowl is excited to announce that @ASUFootball LB Darien Butler has accepted his invite to the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl! @DarienButler20, we'll see you in Vegas! @ShrinersHosp | #ShrineBowlRoadToVegas🚘 pic.twitter.com/nG7lT7kEVN
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) December 16, 2021
Butler’s 68 tackles this season are the 2nd-most on the team. He’s also produced 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 2 sacks.
The California native started all 13 games for ASU as a true freshman in 2018, was named a captain in 2019–a program first for a sophomore—and then played in all 4 of ASU’s 2020 games. Butler could have returned for one more season due to the NCAA eligibility freeze, but he’ll forgo that final season and move onto the next level.
The 97th East-West Shrine Bowl takes place Feb. 3 in Las Vegas.