NATCHEZ — Rodney Hall called his announcement Tuesday afternoon to play at Southwest Community College a blessing.

The opportunity to play at the next level is something he’s thought about throughout his days of playing for the Cathedral Green Wave football team.

“It really is a dream come true,” Hall said. “It’s a really good opportunity.”

Hall is guaranteed a roster spot on the football team this fall in what’s called a “preferred walk-on position.” Hall will have one of the 10 preferred walk-on spots and will be given the opportunity to earn a full scholarship this fall.

“Without a doubt he’ll get it,” said Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing.

An elated Hall hyped the chance to prove himself while staying levelheaded.

“It’s humbling,” Hall said. “It keeps you from walking in there with a big head like you own the place. You have to earn it.”

In Rushing’s system, Hall earned playing time as a defensive end in a four-man front, but at Southwest, Hall will likely move to outside linebacker in a system that utilizes an odd-man front.

“I’ve been talking to Khalil Brice, who plays there, and he told me that they’re looking at me for an outside linebacker position,” Hall said.

Brice, who played with Hall at Cathedral, is competing for a starting middle linebacker position this offseason, and if Hall earns playing time at outside linebacker, Cathedral could makeup two-thirds of Southwest’s linebacker corps.

But Hall has to adapt quickly to his new role, and Rushing has faith that his former player will make a smooth transition to outside linebacker.

“His strong point is definitely the fundamentals,” Rushing said. “He knows how he’s supposed to be and knows how to use his leverage, being sound defensively.”

Along with playing defensive end at Cathedral, Hall also played as a hybrid linebacker from time to time, walking on and off the line in a 3-4 set.

Hall feels the knowledge he’s absorbed from Rushing will assist in the outside linebacker metamorphosis.

“I feel prepared mentally,” Hall said. “All the conditioning (Rushing) put me through and everything I’ve learned will help. At linebacker, you’ve got to be able to read the run, not get tangled up and be able to use your hands.”