Former University of Hawaii football player Dejaun Butler has been invited to participate in the New Orleans Saints’ mini-camp this weekend.

Butler arrived in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon, then went to the Saints’ facilities for orientation. The three-day camp begins today.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity,” Butler told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “I’m going to take advantage of it.”

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Butler played cornerback, nickelback and safety for the Rainbow Warriors. He also was one of the top players on special teams. He is projected to compete in the defensive secondary and special teams during the Saints’ camp.

Butler drew attention from his pre-draft work at UH’s pro day at Azusa, Calif., and at an NFL regional combine in Seattle. His highlight video also appeared to create a buzz.

Mayur Chaudhari, UH’s special teams coordinator, praised Butler’s skills and work ethic. Butler was named a special teams captain last year.

“He’s really athletic,” Chaudhari said. “He plays with a lot of passion. He’s tough and he’s physical. He was a great role player. When we told him this was his job, he really owned it. Even when he played on defense for a bunch of snaps he never wanted to come out.”

Butler was used as the off returner who aligned a few yards ahead of the deep returner on kickoffs.

“The one thing we knew was if Dejaun didn’t have the ball, he was going to block the hell out of somebody,” Chaudhari said. “He was very selfless that way. I was totally comfortable with him returning the ball as well. I thought he had speed and agility and made the right decisions.”

On kickoff coverage, Butler had the dual responsibility of making the tackle or forcing the returner inside.

“He forced a radical change to the returner because he was so fast and so physical,” Chaudhari said. “Sometimes the returner would run right toward his direction, then have to totally change course, which messed up all the other 10 guys on the other team. He was an integral part of that thing.”