Vanderbilt’s Adam Butler changed positions because of a rib-eating contest

Vanderbilt uses unusual methods to picks its players’ positions.

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Fate is a funny thing. Sometimes it comes in the form of a rib-eating contest.

Adam Butler came to Vanderbilt as an accomplished high school offensive lineman and spent his freshman season redshirting as a backup at center and guard. He’s now a standout on the defensive line, starting all 10 games for the Commodores.

So how did he end up switching positions? He got really heated during a rib-eating contest.

The story of how @VandyFootball DL Adam Butler moved from the O-Line to the Defensive Line after a rib-eating contest is just incredible. pic.twitter.com/fUUcmFymaS
— Cutler Klein (@CutlerKlein) November 15, 2016

The Commodores are going to need more attitude like that if they want to get bowl-eligible.

Published Nov 15, 2016 | Modified Nov 15, 2016

DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

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