Penn State left an excellent impression on three-star Class of 2017 defensive lineman Matthew Butler.

Following Garner’s 25-6 win over local rival Southeast Raleigh Friday evening, the North Carolina native made the trip north with his family early Saturday to see Penn State beat Temple. The 34-27 win over the Owls was just the start of his official visit, as Butler got the complete Happy Valley experience over the next 24 hours.

“I didn’t get into town until Saturday. I had a delay getting into Philadelphia, so I got into town a little later than I wanted to, but I did make it in time for the game,” Butler said. “They had a good win. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the atmosphere. After the game, I toured the Lash facility. That’s when I saw the locker rooms and what not. We then went to eat before I met up with Shane Simmons and some of the other freshman.

“I spent most of the night with them. I met a lot of the players. I didn’t spend the whole night with them, but most of it. It was good.”

Butler and his family were again very busy on Sunday. It started at James Franklin’s house, as the head coach hosted Butler and his family for brunch.

“We started the day with Coach Franklin. We got lunch with him. It was very nice. After that is when I did most of the academic stuff. We saw a lot of the campus and learned about their academics before I met with Coach Spencer one-on-one to finish up the trip.”

So, what did he learn about Penn State’s defensive line coach?

“I noticed that he has a lot of energy. He’s a very passionate guy,” said Butler. “He believes in what he coaches and how he goes about that. He’s very loud and into the game, which isn’t a bad thing. I think that’s a great thing. I can tell he builds strong relationships with his players and really works hard to make them the best they can be.”

With official visits to Duke and Penn State now complete, Butler is aiming to visit N.C. State, South Carolina and Tennessee before potentially making a decision. Those three visits will prove to be important, but it looks as if the Nittany Lions have a real chance with Butler following this visit.

“The main reason they weren’t in my top four originally was because I hadn’t visited,” he said. “I always wanted to give them an opportunity and I’m really happy I did. I would say that they’re definitely in my top five now. I see a lot of upside in Penn State. They also have a lot of tradition, both athletically and academically.

“For me, when I make a decision, it’s really going to come down to those things that no one can tell me or put in my ear. It’s going to come down to those personal things that my parents like. There’s even going to be little things that only I like. Penn State has a lot of upside. I’m really happy I took the visit.”