Jordan HammThe Sun Devils earned their first commitment of the 2025 class when four-star quarterback Michael “Butter” Tollefson made his pledge to the Sun Devils.
mama, i’m home 🔱🔱@KennyDillingham #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/SfpNGbJgXK
— Michael “Butter” Tollefson (@ButterTollefson) June 20, 2023
It’s evident instantly that the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Tollefson and head coach Kenny Dillingham have a a strong relationship, and that’s what helped set the Sun Devils apart from his 20+ other offers from around the nation.
The quarterback said he first met Dillingham as an eighth grader. Seeing the work his new head coach has done with quarterbacks at past stops, specifically Oregon’s Bo Nix and Florida State’s Jordan Travis, made it a no-brainer to commit to Arizona State.
Dillingham has said his most successful quarterbacks have to be accurate, mobile and smart. Tollefson believes he fits that bill.
“I feel like I have a great arm,” Tollefson said. “I can hurt people in the air and on my feet. I’ve run track my whole life. I’m a fast guy, so I can bring that dual-threat aspect to my game.”
In 12 games at San Juan Hills last year, Tollefson completed 146/279 passes for 1,567 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 644 yards and nine additional running scores. He pulled off those accomplishments while battling a hip injury, pneumonia and strep throat throughout his sophomore season. He also transferred to JSerra Catholic this offseason.
While he has worked on the physical aspects of his game, he also has made great efforts in his preparation between the ears.
“You have to watch film,” Tollefson said. “You have to know what your opponent is going to do before they do it and put your players in the best position. Being in meetings with Dillingham and (ASU offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin), they’ve shown that. I really like how they coach and teach their QBs how to pick a part a defense.”
He goes by “Butter.” It’s linked to him to the point that he’s listed as “Butter Tollefson” in the school directory computer.
“It came from my mom when I was a baby, like one or two years old,” Tolleson said. “It was part of a lullaby she used to sing to me. She started calling me (Butter) and it stuck.”
Tollefson dives into his decision, his relationship with Kenny Dillingham and his next steps as a quarterback in the video above.
