Donald Butler: 'Manti Te'o must prove himself'

Donald Butler has said that Manti Te'o will have to prove that he is good enough to be a starter for the San Diego Chargers.

The linebacker, who was selected by the Chargers in the second round of last month's draft, is expected to line up alongside Butler from the start of the 2013 NFL season.

However, the 24-year-old told U-T San Diego: "I think a lot of people are jumping to conclusions. He has to come in and prove himself as a starter.

"Obviously, it would be nice, that's why you draft someone in the second round. We don't know how he's going to be in the NFL.

"I hope he comes in and he's a superstar. Hopefully we can create something that will carry us for the next four, five, six years."

Te'o was a finalist for the 2012 Heisman Trophy.