Peyton Butts witnessed the “most electrifying thing” he’s ever seen as the players sang “On Brave Old Army Team” in Army’s locker room.
Watching the Black Knights celebrate a Senior Day win over Coastal Carolina Saturday reaffirmed the Guerin Catholic (Ind.) punter’s decision to play for Army.
“I had seen videos (of Army singing its fight song) on social media but never expected to have an opportunity to witness it in person on a visit,” Butts said. “Although I was already committed, the gameday atmosphere made me realize West Point is where I want to be.”
Butts committed to Army and tight ends coach Blake Powers within 48 hours of receiving an offer in October. Army was always a dream school for Butts since he was young as four years old, he said. Butts grew up around the military. His father, Jim, recently retired as Sergeant Major in the Indiana Army National Guard. Jim Butts served 21 years in the National Guard and was deployed to Bosnia in 2004 and Iraq in 2008 while balancing a career as a professional firefighter. Peyton once painted his face in camouflage before his father was leaving to drill when he was younger.
“It (serving) has always been something I’ve wanted to do,” Peyton Butts said.
Butts’ visit started with an unexpected meeting with coach Jeff Monken Friday. He also caught up with Powers and special teams coach Sean Saturnio, who kept in weekly contact with Butts from the start of his recruiting. It was Butts’ second trip to West Point, but first for football. He drove around campus a two summers ago on his way to a lacrosse national all-star tournament in Massachusetts.
“On my (recent) visit, my family and I felt like West Point is unlike any other campus and football program in the country,” Butts said. “All of the coaches seem sincere in their desire to develop players into men and ultimately officers.”
