Malcolm Butler was such an afterthought when he arrived in the New England Patriots training camp that he was sharing a jersey number with another undrafted rookie free agent.

Then, the former Vicksburg High star began turning heads with a string of impressive performances in practice and preseason games.

When the Patriots open the NFL season Sunday in Miami, Butler will no longer be listed as No. 29a on the roster — he’ll have that number all to himself.

Butler beat the odds and survived the cut last weekend to make New England’s roster. Not only will he be on the field against the Dolphins, he might be starting at cornerback for what is considered one of the best secondaries in the NFL this season.

“It’s a great feeling. I got a little emotional about it. I’ve been through so much,” Butler said. “I’m very glad I accomplished those things and people helped me along the way. It’s a blessing to be here from where I was a few years ago.”

Where Butler was, was very nearly out of football altogether.

He was dismissed from school at Hinds Community College for disciplinary reasons in 2010. He was later readmitted to the school, and reinstated to the football team, and made the most of his second chance.

He went on to become an All Gulf South Conference player at Division II West Alabama, and signed a free agent contract with the Patriots in May.

Following a strong showing during the team’s offseason training activities, Butler continued to shine in the preseason. He was fourth on the team with 14 solo tackles in four games, and also had one fumble recovery.

He started New England’s preseason finale against Carolina, but only recorded one tackle — largely because the Panthers rarely threw in his direction.

“We brought him up for our rookie minicamp and he showed us some things there and he’s continued to work hard and improve through camp,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said during a conference call on Sunday. “Big jump, lot to learn and he’s worked hard at it. He’s gotten a lot of snaps in the preseason. I think those plays have helped him and he’s a young player that’s continued to improve through camp.”

As the preseason progressed, Butler said he wasn’t oblivious to how well he was playing. By the time the final cuts were announced last Saturday, he figured he’d done enough to make the team.

“As the whole process went on, I knew I was playing pretty well and everybody else did too. I had a feeling I was going to make it,” Butler said. “But I had to stay humble and imagine I was in the worst situation ever.”

Although he’s on the opening day roster, Butler’s status with the team might not yet be secure. The Patriots are carrying six cornerbacks, partially to cover the absence of Brandon Browner.

Browner, who was signed as a free agent after helping the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season, will miss the first four games while serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Browner won’t count against the Patriots’ 53-man roster limit until he returns from the suspension, but when he does come back the team will have to make a corresponding roster move. If Butler doesn’t continue to impress in September, he could quickly find himself on the chopping block.

“I’ve thought about that. But my goal is to try to start Week 1 and take off from there,” Butler said. “When Browner comes back, I won’t be a player they look at and say, ‘We’ll just move him out of the way.’”

Butler is the first player from Warren County to be on a regular-season NFL roster since defensive lineman Michael Myers retired in 2007. Myers, who also starred at Vicksburg High, played 10 seasons in the NFL with Dallas, Cleveland, Denver and Cincinnati.

Whether Butler lasts a month in the league or a decade might depend on how well he plays the next few weeks. For now, though, he’s enjoying the ride.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Butler said. “I want to thank everybody who made it possible.”

On TV

Sunday, Noon, CBS

New England at Miami