NATCHEZ &045; As the cornerbacks got drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft, that’s when former Cathedral standout Von Hutchins really got anxious.

In fact, after four corners went in the first round and 12 on the first day, the dominoes began to fall in favor of the former Ole Miss cornerback. Then in the sixth round the Indianapolis Colts drafted Hutchins as the 173rd overall pick and the 20th at his position taken in the two-day draft.

Hutchins, who got word of the Colts’ pick while at home in Natchez Sunday, will report Thursday to Indianapolis for a brief rookie camp.

&uot;I’m ecstatic about the whole situation,&uot; Hutchins said. &uot;I can’t wait. I’m just glad that Coach Tony Dungy and the whole organization will allow me to come up there and show them what I have. I just thank the Lord for the opportunity he’s given me, and I’ve got to take it and run with it.&uot;

The call was plenty of good news for the speedy Hutchins, who wasn’t rated all too high on the scouting reports due to his 5-9 frame. But scouts liked his speed and 4.46 time in the 40 he ran at a NFL combine in Indianapolis back in late February.

A scouting report on cnnsi.com listed his positives as &uot;tough, physical corner who plays bigger than his listed size. Quick to read the action and displays solid wherewithal. Knows where the opponents are on the field, fights to defend the pass and aggressive.&uot;

Hutchins said the call from the Colts may have been somewhat of a surprise after he had talked with between 15 and 20 teams prior to the draft but not extensively with them. Plenty of teams were in the market for help in the secondary and at the corner position, and the Falcons, Texans, Panthers and Packers each took corners in the first round.

&uot;I knew about where I was ranked at as far as corners,&uot; Hutchins said. &uot;I knew I was ranked between 18 and 23, and a couple of people had me ranked a little bit lower. But I knew I was in that range. I saw a couple corners go in the first round, and I knew it was coming. I was kind of getting a sense of anxiousness &045; just waiting on the phone call.&uot;

Hutchins may be the first player from Cathedral taken in the NFL draft and second overall to play professionally, CHS head coach Ken Beesley said. He follow running back Michael Richardson, who went on to the Canadian Football League and was Rookie of the Year.

Hutchins played quarterback for the Green Wave and was named 1998 All-Metro Player of the Year.

&uot;I called him and talked to him after the draft was over and told him we were real proud of him,&uot; Beesley said. &uot;We asked him if he heard a lot about the team, and he said yeah. He said he felt he had a shot at making the team. I’m just happy for him and hoping he’ll do well. I know he’ll go up there and do his best.&uot;

Hutchins finished his senior season with the Rebels starting 34 of the 46 games he appeared in and with 225 tackles with 139 of them solos. His 10 career interceptions ranks seventh in school history.

Hutchins likes the situation on the surface with the Colts, a team that has room for a newcomer at cornerback to find a spot on the roster. The Colts also picked Washington State corner Jason David in the fourth round.

&uot;I haven’t had a chance to research what they have and don’t have, but they have some smaller corners like myself,&uot; Hutchins said. &uot;They don’t have a real shutdown corner like a Champ Bailey or Charles Woodson. From the outside looking in, I think I’ve got a shot at making the team.&uot;

Even despite being small for the position, Hutchins can make that up in other areas, Beesley said. The Colts had Walt Harris (5-11, 192) and Nick Harper (5-10, 182) at the top of the depth charts this past season.

&uot;I think that’s his strongest asset &045; speed,&uot; Beesley said. &uot;I think he’s also an intelligent player. He’s always made real good grades. I’m anxious to see how things turn out. It seems to be a good fit.&uot;