Football

De Butts Is At The Head of Pack
Tuesday, October 9, 2007; E08
By B.J. Koubaroulis
Special to The Washington Post

Episcopal wide receiver Hunter De Butts doesn't quite get it yet.

"He thinks he's a fullback," Episcopal Coach Mark Gowin said.

The 5-foot-9, 153-pound sophomore speedster has been clocked at a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, but, according to Gowin, De Butts has become junior quarterback Alex Helm's top option because of his toughness. And he seems to have a healthy confidence, that the coaches regard as a good thing.

"We have a great chemistry," De Butts said. "I feel I can get to every ball. If I get a hand on it, I should catch it."

In last week's 18-17 loss to Landon, De Butts caught 12 of Helm's 25 completed passes, 183 of Helm's 323 passing yards and reeled in both touchdowns, including a one-handed grab in the end zone.

"When the ball is in the air, he believes it's his," Gowin said of De Butts.

In Episcopal's 1-3 start this season, Helm (52 for 106, 823 yards) has connected with De Butts 24 times for 390 yards. De Butts has also accounted for three of Helm's four touchdown passes and, as a defensive back, he leads the team with three interceptions.

"I'm expecting that as he gets older, he's going to be pretty special," Gowin said.