Hakeem Butler is an Arizona Cardinal!

Nov 3, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) runs for a touchdown against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Hasan Defense (13) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t take long for Hakeem Butler to go off the board in Saturday’s fourth round of the NFL Draft. Butler was the first pick of the day, joining the No. 1 overall pick and former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray in Arizona with the Cardinals.

Butler, a second-team All-America selection by The Athletic in 2018, recorded one of the best statistical seasons in school history last year while recording a program record 1,318 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 60 receptions. He concluded his Iowa State career with 2,149 yards receiving (fourth in program history) and 18 touchdown catches (third in program history) on 110 catches in just three seasons.

The wait to hear Butler’s name called in Nashville may have been longer than expected, but his path from overlooked two-star recruit to professional is complete.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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