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Early UNC Football Enrollee Javion Butts Comes Up Short of Fourth Star

The future UNC football defensive back is the second-highest ranked member of the Tar Heel recruiting class.
Matt Giles|
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North Carolina Tar Heels

Former Jones County High School (Ga.) standout and future UNC football player Javion Butts isn't far from four-star status. However, across the final updates to major recruiting sites' 2025 rankings and ratings this week, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is a three-star across the board.

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He ranks as high as No. 55 among safeties in the cycle, per 247Sports.

In the composite On3 Industry Rankings, Butts stacks up at No. 801 overall, No. 66 at his position, and No. 95 in Georgia.

"Though he has experience playing everywhere in the secondary, Butts projects best as a nickel back due to that versatility plus his physicality and competitiveness," 247Sports' Don Callahan noted. He's an alert defender who plays fast due to how quickly he diagnoses and reacts to an offensive play."

Javion Butts is a part of a 20-deep recruiting haul set to suit up for first-year UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his staff next season. The collection checks in at No. 60 in the country, according to On3, and No. 15 in the ACC.

ALSO READ: Younger Brother of UNC Transfer Addition Reveals Offer From Tar Heels

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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