BUDE — Former Delta State University running back and Bude native Chris Robinson didn’t have to wait long for a phone call that could potentially change his life.

But, he wasn’t expecting it either. Plus, Robinson was doing a humdrum task when he received the extraordinary call.

“It was a surprise,” Robinson said. “I was washing my car at the time when I got the call.”

Last week, following the conclusion of the 2018 NFL Draft, Robinson received a phone call from the Indianapolis Colts extending an invite to the undrafted free agent to attend their upcoming mini camp, to be held May 11-13.

He was taken back because he didn’t know that the Colts were interested in him. But their offer was too hard to refuse.

“It was amazing,” Robinson said. “It was unbelievable.”

During Robinson’s time as a Statesmen, he was as electrifying as any back in Division II football. Robinson helped guide Delta State to a 9-4 overall record and led it to the second round of the NCAA Division II Championship Playoffs.

The two-time All-American back also led the Gulf South Conference in rushing with 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns while topping the league in scoring with 20 touchdowns. Throughout his two-year career in a green and white uniform, Robinson totaled 2,300 yards — which is good for seventh all-time at Delta State. He also scored 44 touchdowns as a Statesmen, which is sixth all-time in school history.

Despite being a Division II product, Robinson said his experience at Delta State has prepapred him well for this opportunity.

“I gained a lot from Delta State,” Robinson said. “Learned a lot from the coaches there. I couldn’t go Division I because I made some mistakes, but knowing that made me focus and work hard because I knew I could have been in a better place. Plus, they gave me the ball a lot and I made the most out of those carries.”

Although Robinson is looking forward to mini camp, he knows that he will face some good competition.

In this year’s draft, Indianapolis drafted two running backs: Nyheim Hines from North Carolina State in the fourth round and Jordan Wilkins of the University of Mississippi in the fifth.

However, Robinson is confident that he could do just as well as those two backs and the rest of the backs on the Colts’ roster.

“That motivates me a lot,” Robinson said when talking about undrafted running backs making an impact in the league. “I could have gone Division I but I screwed up. That’s on me. I can do stuff just like the backs (the Colts drafted). If I was able to play Division I, I would have done the exact same things as them.

“I have been making plays all my life. I am not going to stop now.”

Next week in Indianapolis, Robinson wants to prove to the Colts that he can be a serviceable NFL back for them. And his head coach at Delta State believes he can.

“We’re extremely proud of what Chris accomplished here at Delta State, and I know he has the skill set to make it in the NFL,” said Delta State coach Todd Cooley in a news release. “His numbers the past two seasons are unrivaled in our league and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will be a big plus for him as he tries to land a spot with the Colts.”

And Robinson is ready for his shot.

“This is what I have been waiting for,” Robinson said. “This has been my dream ever since I was little. To finally have this opportunity, I’m going to make the most of it.

Alcorn State player invited to camps

Robinson isn’t the only local player to have received an invite to a NFL mini camp. Three Braves received offers, too.

De’Lance Turner, who started camp Friday, signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The other two former Alcorn players to receive invites were offensive lineman Timothy Gardner and wide receiver Norlando Veals.

Gardner is expected to attend the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mini camp next week and then the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

As for Veals, he will be attending camp with the Washington Redskins.