Coming off a promising junior season, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward running back Kenneth Butler looks ready to emerge as a legitimate Division I prospect. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder was one of the top performer's at Saturday's Raw Talent Sports combine, running a 4.58 40-yard dash and impressing in drills and 1on1's. Still, Butler wasn't totally satisfied with his performance.

"I felt I did alright," said Butler. "I think I need some improvement in my 40-time, I wasn't impressed with it and I think I could do better."

Butler and his St. Edward teammates were not able to defend their Division I state championship but overall he was satisfied with how his junior season went.

"We had a good season this past season," he explained. "We lost to St. Ignatius but I felt like I had a good season. I had 115 carries for 700 yards and I'd like to do even better next year."

Over the last two seasons, Butler had the opportunity to play with arguably the most dominant offensive line in the state of Ohio with several Division I prospects upfront paving the way, most notably Michigan commit Kyle Kalis.

"That's just a once in a lifetime thing," Butler said. "You don't get guys like Kalis and (Tyler) Orlosky. We took advantage of it but (the season) had to end early for us."

Things are beginning to pick up steam on the recruiting trail for Butler has a trio of programs from the Mid-American Conference are showing interest.

"I'm getting letters from Bowling Green, Akron, Kent State, just local schools like that," he said. "I went to a junior day at Bowling Green and February 26th, I'm going to Kent State."

Butler said he had a good time on his trip to Bowling Green.

"Bowling Green has a great facility," he explained. "They are putting in new features to their stadium and things like that. It looks like a bright future for them."

As for Kent State, Butler admits he isn't overly familiar with the program which will make him a curious observer over the weekend.

"I really don't know too much about them," he said. "I'm just looking forward to finding out more when I go there."


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