Written by Cheyanne Mumphrey

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Meet Emmanuel Butler, a sophomore wide receiver from Phoenix, Ariz. Before he started as a true freshman, Butler played at Mountain Pointe High School as a three-year starter, captain and two-year letter winner. In addition, he was a four-year captain in basketball. Once at NAU, he switched from a tight end to a wide receiver and has excelled at wide receiver for the Lumberjacks, playing in all 12 games as a freshman. He was the only underclassmen to score two or more touchdowns and is continuing his success this season.

Athletics Communications (AC): How long have you been playing football?

Emmanuel Butler (EB): I've been playing football since about the age of six in Pop Warner.

AC: Why football after playing basketball for four years?

EB: I felt like football would take me further than basketball would. I just always loved it. 

AC: When did you know you wanted to play at the collegiate level?

EB: It was actually between basketball and football. Growing up, I liked basketball more and actually my sophomore year (in high school) I was going to quit football and just play basketball, but my dad didn't let me. After my sophomore year, I started really liking it and I realized I wanted to play at the college level. 

AC: Have you played other positions before? What would be your favorite? 

EB: When I came to NAU, it was my first year playing wide receiver because I played tight end in high school. My whole life until high school I played quarterback, and if I was good enough to play in college, I probably would, but Case Cookus is way better than me. I like wide receiver though, I feel like I'm doing well and it's a position I'm really good at. 

AC: What is your favorite jersey number and why? 

EB: I wore number eight in high school and the reason I chose it was because when you turn it sideways, it makes an infinity sign. I want to be playing football forever.

AC: If given the opportunity to play professionally, what team or coach do you want to play for?

EB: I would want to play for the Patriots with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

AC: What athlete inspires you?

EB: I would say LeBron James because of how he carries himself and how hard he works.  He is the best and still works as hard as he does.

AC: What is your favorite turn-up song?

EB: Zoo Gang by Fetty Wap.

AC: What is your favorite turn-up dance?

EB: The Dab.

AC: What do you do to take care of your body? 

EB: I stay in the training room, at least when I have time, and I try to drink a gallon of water a day. Cherisse [Kutyreff] is always preaching to stay hydrated. When I have small injuries I make sure I report them. Some people don't like to report little injuries because they take care of them themselves, but I make sure I report them to Cherisse and she does what she does. 

AC: If you could change one rule what would it be? 

EB: No out of bounds, I hate when someone catches a touchdown and it gets called out.

AC: How important is team chemistry?

EB: Without team chemistry things don't click and we for sure would not be as good of a team as we are. Especially at my position, and the offense in general, we all have good chemistry. It's a lot about talking. If we didn't have chemistry, nothing would work.