Cavon Butler is a senior defensive lineman from Toledo. He attended Whitmer High School in Toledo and played for one season at Kentucky before returning home to play for the Rockets. In 48 games with the Rockets, Butler has 110 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks, including 5.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks this season.
 
On growing up and his start in football
"I started playing football when I was five years old. I played for Mid-City Riders here in Toledo. When I first started playing football, I played tight end, but I played everything – receiver and cornerback included. I was also a power forward in basketball and threw shot put growing up."
 
On his recruitment process
 "I started getting recruited in my freshman year of high school, but I couldn't start getting offers my freshman year because of grade issues. I had many schools knocking at the door telling me I needed to get my grades up, so I didn't get my first offer until the summer going into my senior year."
 
On improving his grades in high school
 "Being told I need to improve my grades was a teaching moment. My academic advisors at Whitmer told me that everything I want is within reach, but I have to go get it. If I kept down the same path I was going, I'd be writing off my future. Sticking with my academic advisors at Whitmer helped me invest in that future."
 
On coming home to Toledo after a year at Kentucky
 "Toledo was the best fit for me. My coaches at Kentucky didn't want me to leave, but I felt like transferring was the best option. I also felt it was best with dealing with issues at home if I was close by."
 
On playing for different defensive coaches
 "I've had three different defensive line coaches since I've been here. I had Larry Black at first. He was a very good coach and is now at Vanderbilt. He was the coach that really helped me flip my brain when I first got here during COVID. I was overweight and needed to be more humble. I came from Whitmer and thought I was better than everyone and he taught me that's not the way to do things here at UT.
 
"Then I had Coach Craig Kuligowski who also helped me get a lot better. Now, Coach Frank Okam has come in and been really valuable to me. He's taught me how to change the game, and I've really improved, especially in rushing the passer."
 
On adapting to different coaching styles
 "I use all of what each coach has taught me. Using what Coach O has taught me has been valuable because it's better for me and we have similar playing styles."
 
On developing into an everyday player and starter
 "I became an everyday player by getting in shape and becoming more vocal. When I first came to UT, I wasn't really vocal and Coach Candle called me 'two-play Butler' because I would get tired after two plays. Getting in shape and getting my head on right helped me a lot.
 
"Once I was challenged by Coach Candle, I just put my head down and worked. I always say I'm built by Coach B (Strength & Conditioning Coach Brad Bichey) because he instilled a 'keep going' mentality in me everyday. He told me that I need to lose weight, get faster and get stronger, and I'm thankful for that."
 
On his defensive line teammates
 "I've been here since 2020, so I've seen a lot of people come and go, but I've also seen a lot of people come here and stay here. Martez Poynter came here the same time as me and he's really developed. Esean Carter and Doran Ray came to Toledo a year after me and have stayed the whole time. We're all figuring it out together as teammates. Our defensive unit gelling together and being able to produce on the field has been incredibly valuable."
 
On what players staying means for the program
 "I believe so many players staying has helped us become a true powerhouse school. We've recruited, developed and had guys drafted from here."
 
On his funniest teammates
 "We've got some funny guys, especially on the D-line. Martez is probably the funniest guy on the D-line. D'Andre Ragin is a sneaky funny – he's a bit more reserved, so you don't expect it from him, but he does a lot of funny stuff as well. Those two guys especially are fun to be around."
 
On playing for the Rockets while being from Toledo
"Knowing that this is my last season playing here at Toledo, it's given me a lot of pride. Some days I just walk outside and take a look at the stadium while nobody is there and take everything in, because I'm never going to get this back. Soaking in those moments can get emotional because I'm really playing college football in my hometown and it's meant a lot to me."
 
On being featured in a local potato chip commercial
"I met this guy named Rick Clair. He runs FanClub Sports, an NIL organization. He asked me if I'm funny and I said I think I'm decently funny and have my moments but am not the crazy-funny type. He then asked me if I wanted to shoot this pitch to this chip company. I did it and loved it, and it brought me a lot of NIL attention and university attention as well. It was nice to be featured with a local company. I had never tasted the chips at first and when I did, they were really good. So, I felt like I had to spread their message."
 
On life after football
"I'm very passionate about being a college coach. I want to coach in college specifically because I've realized that the profession isn't just about coaching. You're being a mentor and a father figure and someone that a person needs to lean on. Some people deal with things outside of football and they need you for help and assistance, and that's an area where I am very good."