Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Bowling Green

Josh Butler, the redshirt sophomore from Mesquite, Texas, who once rode a bus to East Lansing for a recruiting visit, will be a starter against Bowling Green. He seized the opportunity to win the corner back battle over Josiah Scott because the freshman had a minor injury that hampered him. Justin Layne is the other starter alongside Butler.

Scott was actually named the starter following fall camp by Dantonio himself, but Butler was considered one of the better performers during the offseason. In fact, there were some who dubbed him the team’s most improved player. If that’s the case, it’ll be interesting to see if he can take control of the starting job for good.

Butler was a four star prospect, according to Scout.com, coming out of high school. Other recruiting services had him as a three-star prospect — not that it much matters under Dantonio. He held offers from Baylor, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.

However, he has spent the last several seasons buried on the depth chart. He now has the opportunity he has longed for and I believe his ball-hawking skills will translate to the collegiate level.