ROCKINGHAM — The second rising junior offensive player to participate in ROSports’ Sideline Soundbites from the Gridiron is Braxton Butler.
Towering over the offensive line at 6-3, 315 pounds, Butler will return for his second varsity season. His job at center is to anchor the offensive line, and each play from offense starts with the ball in his hands.
Having grown an inch from last season, and adding 15 pounds of muscle, Butler’s eyes are set on continuing to protect a talented and explosive Raiders’ offense. The downed offensive linemen are the first line of defense in protecting future UNC football player and current Raider quarterback Caleb Hood, along with senior tailback Jaron Coleman.
Although individual stats aren’t kept for offensive linemen like skill position players, Butler played a crucial role in last season’s offensive success. The front five provided Hood and company plenty of chances to score, helping the Raiders average 40.6 points per game.
In 14 games played, the offensive line contributed to scoring 40 or more points eight times, and 45 or more points in seven games. Offensive line coach Kemp McSween is known for his teaching of toughness and fundamentals in practice, which translate to big-time results on Friday nights.
Butler meets with sports editor Kyle Pillar to talk about his thought process during games, what Coach McSween has taught him, the current state of the o-line and shares his thoughts on the restricted COVID-19 workouts.
Click photo to watch Butler’s interview.
The Richmond Observer will continue its Sideline Soundbites feature other programs in the coming weeks as workouts continue.
