Von Hutchins enjoyed watching Ole Miss football from the sidelines. Now he wants an even closer look.

Hutchins spent his first year at Ole Miss as a red-shirt freshman.

&uot;It was different, but I learned a lot about the offense and defense and a lot about being a college player.&uot;

Hutchins admitted he wasn’t crazy about being red-shirted at first.

&uot;I wanted to jump right into it,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;But once I started looking at things from the bench and watching the mistakes and good things other guys did, I know it was best for me. And I also got a chance to get bigger, stronger and faster more competitive.&uot;

The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder posted impressive numbers at Cathedral High as a quarterback, safety and kick returner.

&uot;The big difference in college is the speed and size and the intellect you have to have to play college ball,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s tough just to participate and keep up with you academics.&uot;

Hutchins, who has a 3.4 grade point average, was moved from wide receiver to defensive back as a freshman.

&uot;I’ll play wherever the coaches want me,&uot; he said. &uot;Right now it looks like I’ll be in the secondary. I’ll play special teams. I’m just looking to get on the field. I’ve spent a year looking, now I want to be part of the action.&uot;

And while Ole Miss’ secondary appeared suspect at times, Hutchins said it wasn’t neccessarily a case of bad play in the defensive backfield.

&uot;We had our troubles in the secondary, but I think they did an excellent job,&uot; he said. &uot;There’s a lot of talent back there.

&uot;Sometimes they would get back, but they would come back the next time and make a big play. They made a lot big plays.&uot;

Hutchins said he is looking forward to participating in spring football this year.

&uot;I’m definitely farther ahead,&uot; he said. &uot;I came in thinking college ball is just a little step up, but I look at all the time I spent on the field, in the weight room and studying film and realize it’s a big step up, not only for you body, but your mind had to be ready to play.&uot;

Hutchins said he enjoys playing for David Cutcliffe.

&uot;He’s an excellent guy,&uot; he said. &uot;He speaks the truth.&uot;

And Hutchins said he doesn’t mind the prized recruits coming in at his position.

&uot;You have got to have challenges and competition,&uot; he said. &uot;Without competition, it’s not fun anymore. You always want to challenge the person ahead of you because it makes them a better player also.&uot;

Hutchins is optimistic the Rebels will be competing in the a major bowl game next year.

&uot;We’re going to be really good,&uot; he said. &uot;People better watch out. We may not have gotten the respect we needed this year, but we will next year.&uot;