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Playing with Drew Brees under center is a far cry from playing at Grand Valley State, a NCAA Division II school in Allendale, Mich.

But undrafted rookie guard/center Tim Lelito of the New Orleans Saints found himself in the same huddle with Brees during the first quarter of Sunday’s 31-23 victory against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, an experience he isn’t likely to forget anytime soon.

Lelito, 24, entered the game on the Saints’ second possession at right guard and was part of a three-play, 80-yard scoring drive that featured a 29-yard screen pass to Mark Ingram and a 51-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown by Pierre Thomas.

By the way, Lelito takes zero credit for those plays.

“The game changes drastically when you go from the second-team guys to the first-team guys,’’ said the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Lelito.

“It just gets so much faster. Drew’s cadence is so much faster. I know I was late off the ball a lot of times because he wants the ball right now. He can see in his head, visually, what’s happening before it even happens. He wants it now.’’

Lelito’s presence with the first unit, in the most meaningful game of the preseason, indicates the improvement he has made since joining the team in late April. He currently is running second-team at right guard and finds himself in contention for a spot on the 53-man roster.

“I didn’t expect to be playing with the ones when I came here,’’ Lelito said. “I was just trying to basically make this team as a backup guy. I’m trying to do everything I can to make this roster. I’m trying to play to my strengths; play quick, play physical and aggressive like I know I can. But being late off the ball makes it hard to do that.’’

Read more: Undrafted lineman Tim Lelito gets his chance with Saints | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

homerj07

Should be no question he makes the team

ClintSaints

Didn't he have a touchdown against the Dolphins?

Rugby Saint II

I thought he had a good presence on the field....... and it appeared to me that he passed the eye test.

SloMotion

Tom Lelito, Grand Valley State University - Go Lakers!

... another diamond-in-the-rough find for the Saints, .

thebdj

As in you found him easy on the eye? Odd reason for picking an O-Lineman but each to their own

Rugby Saint II

Yes he was easy on the eyes..........meaning I didn't have to watch him get pushed all over the place. He looked good out there..............but I see your point.

thebdj

Very happy with him as depth. In fact I think the whole offence has great depth. Having said that, let's pray we don't need them all season!

TheOak

You were pausing the DVR weren't you?

QBREES9

Did we strike GOLD again.