Blackhawks Resign Former University of Utah Star Cory Butler-Byrd

"GDFL CERTIFIED PRO PROSPECT"  

Former University of Utah Star Cory Butler-Byrd returns to Inglewood Blackhawks for 2020

Cory Butler-Byrd All-Pro selection on the minor league level and is a certified GDFL Next Level Pro-Prospect. Interested pro teams from Arena to the NFL are encouraged to contact us for film, stats or tryout information. Our goal is to give every player that meets the strict GDFL guidelines as a pro prospect, every opportunity to elevate their game to the next level.

Former University of Utah WR/DB Cory Butler-Byrd will be returning back to the 2019 LDFL Inglewood Blackhawks for the 2020 season. Last year Butler-Byrd started the season with Inglewood before signing a contract to play with the San Diego Strikeforce of the Indoor Football League.

After things didn't work out as anticipated, Byrd came back to the Blackhawks to help roll through the second half of the season.Byrd had 4 punt returns for TD's while returning the opening kickoff of the LDFL championship back for a touchdown. "I'm excited to be back in the nest for spring 2020 and look forward to competing on a national stage in the Gridiron Developmental Football League so we can defend what's ours", stated Byrd.

Coach Reid has established the Blackhawks with winning and professionalism that it only makes sense for guys to play here while tuning their skills to get picked up by one of the bigger leagues.

Byrd just recently (September 24, 2019) attended the XFL's L.A. Wildcats tryout in Long Beach California where he clocked the second fastest time at the workout. Coach Reid opened these doors for me and I'll forever be grateful for it. I'll always be a Blackhawk until otherwise noted.

• HEIGHT

   

  5-10

• WEIGHT

   

  180

• CLASS

   

  Senior

• HOMETOWN

   

  Compton, Calif.

• HIGH SCHOOL

   

  West Adams Preparatory HS

UTAH: Played two ways as a junior (cornerback, wide receiver) before becoming a full-time receiver as a senior … returned kicks both seasons.

2016–Played in eight games with three starts (USC, Arizona, OSU) … second on the team in receiving yards per game (46.5) and catches (29) … third on the team in receiving yards (372) … had Utah’s longest catch of the season (69 yards vs. Arizona) … second on the team with 861 all-purpose yards (107.6 per game), which included 372 receiving yards, 326 kickoff return yards and 163 rushing yards … career-high seven catches for 72 yards against Arizona State… five catches for 67 yards against Oregon State … five catches for 66 yards vs. San Jose State … rushed 20 times for 163 yards (long of 41) and a touchdown … 10 carries for 54 yards at Oregon State … two carries for 46 yards against Colorado … 24-yard touchdown run against Oregon … 12 kick returns for 326 yards and a touchdown … five kick returns for 175 yards and a 99-yard TD against UCLA … 175 kick return yards against UCLA ranked as the sixth-most in a game in school history … season high 251 all-purpose yards against UCLA (175 kick return, 67 receiving, nine rushing) … 170 all-purpose yards against Arizona (69 yards receiving, 86 yards on three kick returns).

2015–Played in all 13 games with five starts (3 at corner, 2 at receiver) … 30 total tackles (0.5 TFL) … only reception was for 54 yards against California … tied for seventh in the Pac-12 in interceptions (3) and tied for eighth in picks per game (0.23) … seven passes defended (3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups) … season-high four tackles against Michigan and Fresno State … also had an interception against Michigan … three tackles, an interception and a pass breakup vs. Arizona State … returned an interception 29 yards against Colorado … led Utah with eight kick returns for 223 yards (27.9 average) and one touchdown … was named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring on a 98-yard kick return against Fresno State on the first kick return of his career … blocked a punt against USC.

PRIOR TO UTAH: Four-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com will be a junior with three years to play two … No. 17 on Rivals.com Junior College 2015 Postseason 100 Prospect Ranking … No. 26 in the ESPN JC 50 … National Division-Central Conference second-team defense in 2014 … as a sophomore cornerback at L.A. Harbor College, had 46 tackles (4.0 TFL), five interceptions, six pass breakups and a fumble recovery … led L.A. Harbor in kickoff returns (18 for 445 yards, 24.7 average, 1 TD) and punt returns (nine for 36 yards) … as a freshman at L.A. Harbor in 2013, had 42 receptions for 583 and seven touchdowns and rushed 66 times for 327 yards (5.0 average) and two touchdowns … went to high school at Centennial High in Compton, Calif., and graduated from West Adams Preparatory HS in Los Angeles.

PERSONAL: Son of Cory Butler and Miesha Byrd … married (Eunique) with a son (Cory Jr.) … sociology major … full name is Cory-Donte Butler-Byrd … born Nov. 12, 1994.

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports.

 We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. 

Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.

Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.