Lawrence quarterback Butterfield picks up national football honor

Ryan Butterfield
Ryan Butterfield

APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University’s Ryan Butterfield picked up a national football honor when he was named Rookie of the Week by USA College Football.

Butterfield (McDonough, Ga./Strong Rock Christian), a freshman quarterback, earned the honor after a huge game in the season finale against Grinnell College.

Butterfield turned in the top rushing performance by a Lawrence player in more than a decade this past Saturday on Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl. Butterfield ran 24 times for 243 yards and three touchdowns and became the first Lawrence player in 13 years to rush for 200 yards in a game.

The last Lawrence player to hit the 200-yard mark was Justin Berrens vs. Ripon College in 2002. Butterfield’s 243 yards is the fifth-highest game rushing total in Lawrence history.

Butterfield had scoring runs of 79, 22 and 31 yards. The 79-yard run was a career-long for Butterfield and the longest play from scrimmage for the Vikings this season. Butterfield also completed 15-of-37 passes for 191 yards.

Butterfield was chosen as the Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Week as well.