Veteran Davidson High football coach Rick Cauley has referred to Derrick “DJ” Butler as the best running back he’s ever coached.

He’ll enjoy one more fall with the Warriors before starting his college career at Coastal Carolina.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Mobile, Ala., senior committed to the Chanticleers on Sunday morning over plenty of other offers included Mississippi State, Ole Miss, South Alabama, Troy, UAB, UCF and West Virginia.

“I’ve coached some really good guys at other positions, but as far as a natural, pure running back he is probably the best and we’ve had some good ones,” Cauley told AL.com of Butler this spring.

As a junior, Butler was a first team Class 7A All-State selection. He rushed for 1,338 yards and 19 TDs on 184 carries. In a 43-41 loss to Foley, Butler accounted for six touchdowns – four rushing, one receiving and one passing – in what Cauley called the best individual effort he’s seen in his coaching career. He finished the game with 275 yards rushing and 304 yards of total offense.

“He is a taller running back who has a long stride and is deceptively strong,” Cauley said. “He does things that allow him to get subtle separation from a defender and then he just separates from them.”

In other recruiting news:

Five-star Buford, Ga., safety KJ Bolden says he will make his college decision on Aug. 5. Auburn and Alabama are both in his final list of schools, which also includes Florida State, Ohio State and Georgia. Bolden has said his final OV will come later this month for Big Cat Weekend in Auburn. According to the 247 composite rankings, he is the No. 2 senior recruit in Georgia and No. 1 safety in the nation.

Longtime Alabama commit Perry Thompson of Foley also announced he will be in Auburn for Big Cat Weekend later this month. The 5-star wide receiver has been committed to the Crimson Tide since last summer and is ranked as the No. 5 senior recruit in the state.

Vigor athlete Jerrian Graham is scheduled to commit Tuesday. His offer sheet includes South Alabama, Alabama A&M, Arkansas State, Georgia State, Grambling, Jacksonville State, Louisiana, Samford, Troy, Tulane and UAB.

Georgia OL commit Micah DeBose of Vigor announced he has been selected to play in the 2025 Under Armour All-American Game. DeBose received an offer from Oklahoma last week.

Basketball …

Baker’s Desmond Williams received his first offer from South Alabama. Williams transferred from Saraland and is expected to have a large role for the Hornets with reigning Mr. Basketball Labaron Philon leaving for Link Academy.

Westminster Christian’s Chase McCarty announced Sunday he would play his final season at IMG Academy. McCarty led Westminster to the Class 4A championship game this winter.