Butler Quarterback makes most of second chance

November 30, 2010|By Grant Meech | KWCH 12 Eyewitness Sports

EL DORADO, Kan. — A cold and windy practice field in El Dorado, is a far cry from the University of Georgia.

Yet, Butler Quarterback Zach Mettenberger is happy to just be anywhere.

"I thought my life was over," said Mettenberger

A highly recruited star out of Watkinsville, Georgia, Mettenberger was kicked off the Bulldog football team after an off the field incident, which he declined to go into detail about.

After looking at Troy University and the University of Cincinnati, he needed a fresh start and Butler Community College came calling.

"I made a terrible mistake but I've grown from it and learned from it," Mettenberger said. “It was unfortunate that it happened but I've come here to Butler and I've made the most of my opportunity."

"If it wasn't for second chances, I don’t know where I'd be at today," said Butler head football coach Troy Morrell.

Since his arrival at Butler, Mettenberger has flourished with the Grizzlies, breaking numerous school records including the single season touchdown record with 31.

"He had opportunities to go to different schools that were spread offenses and he could really pile up his numbers but he wanted to be in a pro-style offense, Morrell said.

Now the top ranked Grizzlies will put their season on the line for the national title this weekend when they face Navarro College. Something Mettenberger could never have dreamed of.

"We all have a chip on our shoulder and to rally the guys up and to lead them to this national stage and if we can go out there and execute, then we can be national champs," Mettenberger said, who is weighing scholarships from Texas A&M and LSU, among others.

"He's helped me be a better coach as well," Morrell said.

A second chance was all he was looking for and that cold practice field in Kansas could lead him somewhere greater.

"Everything is all right and if I came here did what I know I can do," Mettenberger said. "I would have my chance again."

|

|

|