Butler joins practice

SAN DIEGO – Much of the rookie buzz revolves around Ryan Mathews, and deservedly so. The Chargers traded up to select the Fresno State running back at No. 12 and expect him to be a significant part of the offense.

But San Diego also traded up to select another rookie, linebacker Donald Butler.

Butler joined the team on the ninth day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) after Washington held its spring graduation on Saturday. Rookies are not allowed to participate in OTAs prior to their class’s graduation.

“My guys have been down here working hard and it’s been killing me that I haven’t been able to work with them. Really, it just feels good to finally be out here,” Butler said of his first practice since rookie orientation.

“I think it went well. The biggest thing is, you’ve got to open your eyes and ears more at this level, because if you don’t hear something, you’re going to be a step behind and then you’re out of the play.”

He’s done extra film study with Linebackers Coach John Pagano and studying the playbook during his own time to catch his teammates, who benefited from two extra weeks of OTAs as well as Mini Camp.

Head Coach Norv Turner said he expects Butler, at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, to make major contributions on special teams and compete for playing time at inside linebacker.

Butler bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times at the NFL Combine. He made 91 tackles, intercepted two passes and added one sack during his senior season at Washington.

QUIETER FIELD: Forty-four Chargers practiced Monday as many of the experienced players were excused.

Butler’s inclusion made linebacker the most represented position with nine players, including veteran Jyles Tucker.

Tucker, who enters his fourth NFL season, was the most experienced player to attend, along with safety Paul Oliver, cornerback Dante Hughes and defensive tackle Antonio Garay.

“We went back and started at Day One with (the rookies), so there’s some things that I think they have a better understanding for (now),” Turner said. “There’s some things they’re able to do a little bit faster, but this group’s got a lot of work to do to get ready to go practice when we go to training camp.”

NUMBER CHANGE: Recently-signed free agent wide receiver Josh Reed will wear No. 82. Rookie Jeremy Williams will change to No. 86 and tight end Richard Brockel will wear No. 47.

MONEY RAISED: The Qualcomm Shoot to Cure HD, presented by Cymer and chaired for the sixth consecutive year by tight end Antonio Gates took place Friday at Chargers Park and raised about $70,000 for the fight against Huntington’s Disease.

The ninth annual event featured Chargers players, a speed-free-throw-shooting contest, free food and drinks, and tours of the facility, among other things.

CLARK SUPPORTS CHARITY: Chargers offensive tackle Corey Clark will support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and help raise awareness for its Light The Night Walk, an annual fundraiser held each fall in more than 200 North American communities.

The San Diego walk will be Nov. 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The funds help to find cures and better therapies for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Clark’s father, Eddy, died of leukemia in 2005.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of my dad and how this disease has changed my entire life,” Clark said. “I am determined to do whatever it takes to raise awareness and assist in finding a cure.”

Visit www.lightthenight.org/sd to find out more about participating.

YOUTH CAMP: Two-time Pro Bowler Marcus McNeill will host an offensive and defensive line football academy June 30 to July 2 at Hallford Stadium in Atlanta.

The cost is $125. Visit www.y-sportz.com for more information.

BOLTS: DajLeon Farr, the third person to touch the tipped football, squeezed a pass from Jonathan Crompton while sprawled on the field … Brandon Hughes cut inside of Bryan Walters down the left hash and intercepted a pass before Walters saw him. Hughes swatted a pass intended for Seyi Ajirotutu a few plays earlier … Cam Thomas cruised into the backfield and tapped Shawnbrey McNeal with his hands two yards behind the line of scrimmage … Undrafted rookie receiver Jordyn Jackson, like Butler, attended his first OTA on Monday because Eastern Oregon held its spring graduation on Saturday. Butler and Jackson were the final two rookies to join the sessions.