MILAN, Italy – Jason Butler (Syracuse, NY / Henninger), the 2007 Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year and one of the great running backs in Wagner history, is pursuing a professional career with a team in Italy.

Butler, who rushed for 1,713 yards as a senior for the Seahawks in 2007, is the starting halfback for Rhinos Milan and has had a big impact on the team in his short stint. In a preseason game, the Syracuse, NY native rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns while returning a kickoff 98 yards for another TD.

Following this effort, an action photo featuring Butler running with the ball was used on the game ticket sold at the team's regular season opener last weekend vs. Dussendorf Panther, a professional team from Germany. Butler scored a TD in this game as well to lead his team to a 33-28 come-from-behind victory.

“I'm loving everything about being over here,” said Butler. “And my Italian is getting better and better every day.”

Butler, who became the first NEC player to ever rush for 100 yards or in all 11 games in 2007, finished second on Wagner's single-season rushing list those 1,713 rushing yards. His 316 rushing attempts that season is also a school mark, as he finished his two-year RB career with 2,448 yards.

Those who can read Italian can follow Butler throughout the season on the team's website by accessing http://www.rhinos.it/