Pitt CB commit Tony Butler plans on visiting Maryland, other Big Ten schools

Three-star St. Edward (Ohio) High School cornerback Tony Butler committed to Pittsburgh back in March, and while he says he's still on board with the Panthers, a recent slew of offers has caused some extra consideration. SB Nation recruiting editor Bud Elliott caught up with the prospect last week to talk recruiting.

"I'm committed but I'm still making sure I'm making the right decision, so I've still got to be open to every school that's out there," Butler said. "I can't be 100% committed when it's this early, I still plan on making my five official visits, making sure I'm making the right decision."

Butler is given an .8596 rating by the 247Sports Composite, ranking as the No. 54 cornerback in the 2016 class and the No. 21 player in the state of Ohio. He says he plans on taking official visits to Maryland, Rutgers, Pitt and Michigan, as well as a fifth, undecided school.

The Terrapins have a desperate need at defensive back after some recent recruiting misses, and Butler says the staff has emphasized his opportunity to see the field.

"They basically said that they needed DBs and long DBs on top of that," he said. "They're losing a lot of DBs in these next two classes so obviously to come in and play early is an option."

Butler certainly counts as "long" at 6'1 and 191 pounds. He would be the fourth Ohio commitment in Maryland's class, joining defensive tackle Jeffery Pooler and offensive linemen Terek Zingale and Alex Hall.

"Jeff, he talks to me a lot, he wants me to flip." Butler said. "I definitely talk to him a lot about Maryland, he says it's a good place to be."

If Butler does end up changing his decision, College Park may not be the eventual destination. The prospect said the two non-Pitt coaching staffs closest to him are Rutgers and Michigan, while the Wolverines and Ohio State currently hold an even 50-50 split on the Crystal Ball.