Booker is taking his football act up north.
Devontae Butler, known as "Booker" on the back in honor of family, will sign a football scholarship letter-of-intent with Washington State on Wednesday morning, continuing Grant High School's tremendous legacy of scholarship signings over the decades.
The senior tailback secures a deal that has been two years in the making as his hard-charging rushing style made him one of the most prolific backs in regional history.
What's more, Butler has worked tirelessly to improve his academic standing after a rocky freshman season. He vowed to earn a scholarship for his efforts, for himself, his school, community and family.
Butler took a recruiting trip to Pullman last week and his family hosted an in-house recruiting visit from WSU coach Paul Wulff in recent days.
Wulff was a Davis High star lineman in the early 1980s who became and all-time WSU great as a center. Wulff had hoped the Cougars could pin their tailback future to another former Sacramento prep great in James Montgomery.
Montgomery led the Cougars in rushing early last season before a serious leg injury sidelined him, likely for good.
Now it's Booker time. Butler rushed for 2,884 yards and 45 touchdowns last fall, despite sitting out the second half of five games due to blowouts.
"It's great news for Booker," Grant coach Mike Alberghini said. "I truly think once he gets up there and shows what he can do, he'll do very well. He's put a lot of work into this."
