Former Vanderbilt DT Adam Butler didn’t even get a signing bonus when he joined the New England Patriots after the 2017 NFL Draft.

That’s how much of an afterthought the 6-5, 300-pound lineman was heading into training camp.

However, Butler has made the most of his opportunity thus far and has worked his way up the depth chart so far this summer.

According to NESN.com, Butler has been getting some reps with the first-team defense, which is something even he wouldn’t have expected.

He said he has worked hard to get to the point where he is now and will continue to do so as he fights for a Week 1 roster spot with the defending Super Bowl champions:

“When I came in, I came in humble,” Butler said. “I wasn’t drafted, I didn’t care about any of that stuff. I just came in with the mentality no matter what my circumstances was coming in, I was going to work my tail off until I got to where I wanted to be. By no means was I complacent. I’m just grateful for the opportunity I have now.”

As a fifth-year senior in 2016, Butler had 31 tackles and recorded a team-high four sacks for the Commodores while starting in all 13 games.