Deer Creek's Joel Blumenthal commits to Butler CC

BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com

Joel Blumenthal didn’t want to spend any time later in life wondering “what if.”

The Deer Creek quarterback, still holding out hope for a Division I offer, weighed his options and decided Thursday night to commit to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan.

Blumenthal decided the juco route gave him the best opportunity to continue chasing his dreams–playing Division I football and beyond.

“I was really just thinking about what I wanted to do–go juco, Division II or walk-on somewhere,” Blumenthal said. “I wanted to play Division I and Butler gives me the best chance.

The Grizzlies have had success moving quarterbacks to Division I.

Zach Mettenberger signed with LSU following the 2010 season at Butler and started for the Tigers this season. Billy Cosh, Butler’s quarterback last season, is committed to Houston.

“They know exactly what I’m thinking,” Blumenthal said. “They know I want to play at the next level.”

Blumenthal threw for 2,456 yards and 32 touchdowns with just three interceptions as a senior, helping the Antlers to a district title and the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.