Notre Dame, Michigan rivals Butler, Lewis open USA Football NSD breakfast

AUSTIN, Texas — The largest National Signing Day in the country started with a bang as two of the most dynamic personalities of the Under-19 U.S. team signed on the dotted line at The Renaissance Hotel Austin.

Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) receiver/defensive back Devin Butler (Notre Dame) and Cass Tech (Detroit) cornerback Jourdan Lewis (Michigan) just signed at rival schools, though for now the duo couldn't have been more chummy.

Both were key players in USA's 42-10 win over the World on Tuesday night. The American team had come off back-to-back losses against international teams.

Butler and Lewis were just two off 44 players who were scheduled to sign at the signing day breakfast which was sponsored by USA Football and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

"This was a perfect way to end a perfect week here," Butler said. "I've been waiting a long, long time for this day to sign. I had a special feeling when I stepped on the campus and I can't wait to get that special feeling again."

Butler committed to Notre Dame shortly after NSD ended last season, just like Lewis, who went to Michigan the day after NSD of 2012. Like Butler, he was equally committed to Michigan and stayed loyal though he's considered one of the top 10 cornerbacks in the country.

Notre Dame came into the day ranked No. 7 in the college recruiting rankings.

See Notre Dame's entire recruiting class

"Both those guys will have immediate impacts," USA coach Aaron Brady said. "Both on the field and in the locker room."

Brady coached Butler every day at Gonzaga.

Butler and Lewis bantered throughout practices about their future schools. It was all in good nature.

"He'd say 'go big blue,' and I'd say, 'that blue is kind of ugly,' " Butler said. "It's all good. We're all teammates at the end of the day. He's a great player and he'll have a great career at Michigan I'm sure. Just not when we play them."

Lewis has a giant laugh and personality and was the ring leader of the three Michigan recruits at the festivities.

Linebacker Ben Gedeon of Hudson (Ohio): "Ben took an official visit with me and he's way laid back.," Lewis said.

See Michigan's entire recruiting class

That's not the case with David Dawson, a 6-4, 282-pound offensive lineman from Cass Tech. Dawson left the camp with a foot injury and will not play in Tuesday's game.

"Dave's a bully on the field," Lewis said. "He plays very aggressive."

Tight end Khalil Hill: "He's a big, good silly softie," Lewis said. "But man, he can make plays."

As far as Michigan's class, the Wolverines were ranked at No. 1 by some services but now has slipped to No. 4.
If there was a truer recruit than Lewis to Michigan, we couldn't find him. Lewis committed the day after National Signing Day last season.

See College Team Recruiting Rankings

He and a couple friends went to a Michigan basketball game and he was offered on the spot.

"I'm really, really excited to go," Lewis said. "I committed so early but then other schools started coming really hard. But I was a Michigan man the whole way."

Before the players were announced, USA Football Chairman Carl Peterson spoke and made gave stern advice to players. "Don't do just what's asked of you. Do more!"