This isn’t the first time junior cornerback Devin Butler has been called into emergency duty.

When senior KeiVarae Russell fell victim to a broken tibia near the end of the Nov. 21 win against Boston College, the starting role became Butler’s in the 38-36 loss at Stanford to conclude the regular season.

Notre Dame’s secondary struggled to slow down the Cardinal passing attack — quarterback Kevin Hogan completed 17 of 21 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns — but Butler did not become a liability as Russell’s replacement.

“The coaching staff tells us every day, ‘You’ve got to prepare like a starter. You never know. You’re one play away from getting in,'” Butler said. “You always want to be prepared for your opportunity. I’m just grateful I have this opportunity. Now, I’m ready to go out there and dominate.”

Butler played a combined two snaps in the seven games leading up to the test at Stanford, but remained ready for the call if needed.

“My coaches and teammates were telling me to go in there and play with confidence,” Butler said. “‘You’re not the same player you were last year. You can compete with anybody in the country.’ It just came from me believing in it and going out there and playing the game I know how to play.

“It was up to me to believe in it and play the game I know how to play.”

Butler started twice in 2014 down the stretch while fifth-year senior Cody Riggs battled a foot injury during a four-game losing streak during which the Irish surrendered 44.5 points per contest.

Once Russell returned from an academic suspension, there was little room for playing time for Butler behind the senior and junior Cole Luke.

“I had to do what the team needed me to do,” he said. “What the team needed me to do this year is different from what it needed me to do last year. I just wanted to contribute and help the team, whether it was on special teams or defense.”

Butler has been a consistent participant on special teams and he credits that experience with keeping him fresh for cornerback duty against Stanford. He also points toward the connection with first-year cornerbacks coach and Notre Dame alumnus Todd Lyght.

“[He has helped] tremendously,” Butler said. “He's someone who's such a supportive character. He's someone that's been through it and not just speaking off of experience. He's been where I've been. He's been in the classes I've been in. He's been in the position I've been in. He's imparted so much wisdom and he's amazing. It's a blessing.”

Butler and the rest of Team 127 hope to cap off a successful 2015 with a signature win against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

“It's definitely something to look forward to,” he said. “It's the biggest game I've played in in my life. I'm looking forward to stepping out there, soaking it all in and then buckling the chin strap and playing ball.”