Hutchins living a prairie-boy dream
June 17, 2009 - Regina Leader-Post
By Murray McCormick
It doesn't take a lot to make Nick Hutchins smile.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders' rookie offensive guard was wearing a huge grin while walking over to be interviewed on Tuesday after the 10th day of training camp at Mosaic Stadium. That smile became as wide as the bright-blue prairie sky when Hutchins was asked about the most exciting football moments for the Regina product.
"Being drafted (by the Riders) was definitely the most exciting,'' said Hutchins, who was selected in the third round (17th overall) in the 2009 CFL draft. "The first day of main camp was also a good experience. It was nice to see all of the veterans and the faces from TV. Those two days really stand out.''
Hutchins has also stood out. He's 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds and hasn't looked out of place with the veterans. Hutchins is battling for a spot on the Riders' roster. If not, he could return for a fifth season with the University of Regina Rams.
"I would be OK with that,'' said Hutchins. "Either way I'll be happy because there is always next year.''
There is also today when Hutchins will live the dream of many Saskatchewan-born football players when he'll slip into a green-and-white game jersey as the Riders play the Edmonton Eskimos in pre-season action at Commonwealth Stadium. Another huge smile lit up Hutchins' face when he was asked about that.
"It will be cool to get the jersey on and see how it feels,'' said Hutchins, who played high school football with the Thom Trojans. "It will be a great experience and I'm looking forward to it.''
Hutchins sheds that easy-going persona when he's on the field. He's an offensive lineman who plays with an edge. That and his ability have attracted the attention of the coaches.
"Once the game starts, you have to start pushing people around,'' said Hutchins. "You can't be all nice out there.''
