Two words best describe Zach Mettenberger's football career -- rocky road.
Mettenberger was a standout recruit out of high school in Watkinsville, Georgia. As a redshirt freshman at the University of Georgia, Mettenberger competed for the starting job until he was dismissed from the team after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual battery, stemming from an incident at a bar.
Butler coach Troy Morrell acknowledges that Mettenberger made a mistake, but says he acknowledged it, learned from it, made amends and is moving on in life in a positive way
Mettenberger says he's "very fortunate" that the Butler coaching staff here has given him the chance to do that. Mettenberger had to decide whether to transfer to another Division I program and sit out a season or go to the community college ranks and play right away. He did not know much about community colleges, but said he did his homework when making the choice.
Morrell credits a coach and friend of Mettenberger's
Now, he believes he has made the most of his opportunity. On the field, he has broken Butler's passing records. Off the field, playing in El Dorado has been a big switch from "between the hedges" at Georgia.
"It's almost like a high school feel, but it's been great and I definitely don't regret (coming to Butler)."
Mettenberger's path is similar to Auburn's Cam Newton, who had trouble with the law at Florida. Newton transferred to Blinn (TX) College, where he won the national championship game in Pittsburg, KS. Newton then took that title back to the SEC, where he is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Mettenberger hopes to do something similar.
"He's douing a lot of great things and I'd be proud to have my name next to his," says Mettenberger, who has been offered scholarships by Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M. He has visited Baton Rouge and College Station and will soon visit Tuscaloosa.
Morrell calls it "a good problem on his hands with a lot of good places to go."
Mettenberger is not expected to make his decision until after Sunday's championship game.
Kirby Smart, who was formerly at Georgia, for convincing Mettenberger to go the the community college rout. Mettenberger came to El Dorado for a visit and said he "loved it."
