Zach Butler and Dan McCarney go way back — all the way back to Iowa City.

Butler’s dad, Dave, played at the University of Iowa as an offensive guard, right alongside ISU head coach McCarney. The Butlers still call Iowa City home. So why did the Hawkeyes let this guy go?

Butler, like several other Cyclone standouts on this year’s squad, was relatively unwanted by many Division I programs out of high school.

“When it came down to it, Iowa didn’t offer me a scholarship, but Iowa State did,” Butler said. “I was a huge fan of Coach McCarney growing up, he knew I could be a good Division I player, so it was a win-win situation.” McCarney was right, and Butler has been indispensable as the cog of the Iowa State offensive line the last two seasons, starting every game.

Butler epitomizes the toughness and ruggedness that McCarney instills in his offensive line.

“I like run blocking, because it’s up to you to open the hole for the back, and if he comes back to the huddle after a big gain, it makes you feel good,” the center said.

As far as blocking for Seneca Wallace, the school’s most decorated passer, Butler said it’s easier than you’d think.

“When we’re pass blocking for Seneca and things break down, all he does is tuck the ball away and make people miss,” he said. “It takes a little pressure off us.”

This season has been a roller coaster ride for players and fans, but Butler and teammates are taking it all in stride. “When you play competitive sports, winning and losing happens,” Butler said. “The key is how you handle yourself during the highs and the lows.”

As for future football, Butler has already been invited to the East-West Shrine Game, an all-star football game featuring some of the nation’s top seniors.

Butler is hoping to use the exposure of that game to get a shot at the next level. However, he’s got other options. “I graduate this year with a marketing degree,” he said. “If the football thing works out, that would be great. If it doesn’t, I’ll have my degree to fall back on.”