(Enlarge) Towson University sophomore linebacker Alex Butt, shown in an earlier game against Morgan State University, recorded his first career interception against the University of Delaware recently. The former Hereford star from Parkton also tried out for the team at the University of Alabama. (photo courtesy of Towson University)

Alex Butt is having the time of his life.

From being an All-State player at Hereford to earning a starting linebacker position at Towson University, it's safe to say that his love for football is being fulfilled.

The Parkton resident helped lead the Bulls to a 13-1 record in 2004, which ended with a state championship victory that he calls his most memorable experience.

However, football wasn't always what Butt thought it would be after Hereford's devastating loss in the state final his senior year.

The wounds from that setback did not heal quickly, and nearly turned Butt away from playing football for good.

At the University of Alabama, Butt spent his first semester "having fun and being a normal college student."

That is, until a phone call about halfway through the semester changed everything.

"I remember I was getting ready to go to the Alabama-Florida game, and I got a phone call from my father. He asked me if I was going to try to walk onto the team in the spring. When I told him I hadn't planned on it, I could tell that he was somewhat upset. It really got to me," he said.

Just like that, Butt again had his sights set on returning to the gridiron, this time as a walk-on for the Crimson Tide.

There would be no storybook ending, though.

After weeks of training and conditioning with the team, Butt was one of the last cuts.

"I was absolutely devastated. I was sure this time that I was done with football," Butt said.

His father had other ideas.

"I talked to my father again and he somehow convinced me to try to play somewhere else," Butt said.

In 2006, Butt left Tuscaloosa to showcase his skills at Towson University, where he's playing in his third season.

Looking back, Butt says he has no regrets about walking on at Alabama.

"The experience helped build character and taught me a little about overcoming adversity in order to fulfill my dream of playing college football," he said.

This year at Towson, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound sophomore is taking on the challenge of filling the shoes of former All-American linebackers Brian Bradford and Maurice Wilkins, a sure sign that the Tigers have high expectations for Butt.

"Alex has improved this season with every game he's played," Towson defensive coordinator Jeff McDonald said. "He has a good knowledge of our scheme and because of that, he puts himself in positions to make plays. He has been nothing but a pleasure to work with."

Butt was tied for second in tackles with 39 for the Tigers (3-7), who have lost consecutive Colonial Athletic Conference games to the University of New Hampshire and the College of William & Mary.

Off the field, the 21-year-old enjoys catching up with friends and snowboarding.

He says nothing makes him feel better than a phone call to mom and watching a good movie.

While many are driven by the potential for fame and success, Butt's family is his top priority.

"The only reason why I'm playing football right now is because my father believed I could," he said. "He is my inspiration and the one who kept me playing. I could have the worst game of my life, and my Mom will still think I played great."

Besides, he's living a dream.

"There are thousands of guys out there who want the opportunity to play college football," Butt said. "My greatest success, is that I still am."

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