NC defensive end Matthew Butler hinting at Tennessee commitment?

Tennessee defensive end target Matthew Butler [player thread: ’17 NC DE Matthew Butler] of Garner, N.C. is set to make his college announcement on Wednesday. Is he hinting at choosing Tennessee with this tweet about a Vol legend?

He’s already made his decision, according to thestate.com.

“It’s easing, if that makes sense,” Butler said Monday night of having the decision making pressure off his back. “My heart is eased and I’m confident about it. I can’t wait to continue to work towards the goal of being an elite player in college football. That is my goal. I’m just excited to continue to work towards that.”

Butler had six schools on his final list — Duke, N.C. State, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas A&M — but admits to focusing on three or four. According to the experts, Tennessee seems to be the leader in the clubhouse.

“What caught my attention with Tennessee is coach Thigpen. He didn’t recruit me. He talked to me. We became close, almost. He would give me advice, on and off the field,” Butler told SEC Country.

Butler is listed at 6-4, 225 pounds and is rated three stars by each of the major recruiting services. He has offers from Tennessee, Texas A&M, N.C. State, South Carolina, Penn State, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Arkansas, among others.

His announcement is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Forum discussion: ’17 NC DE Matthew Butler

[EDIT 12/20 @ 10:28 a.m.] Hat tip to kamoshika for pointing out Butler’s updated stats on MaxPreps. Butler’s final numbers were 96 tackles, 44 TFL (including 26 sacks), and 36 QB hurries in 13 games.