Jerraud Powers probably wishes he could redo his first conversation with Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian.

The former Auburn cornerback just wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to his decision to leave school one year earlier than everyone thought he should.

Powers, because of foot surgery he underwent after Indianapolis’ AFC divisional round victory over the Baltimore Ravens, is questionable for today’s Super Bowl against the New Orleans Saints. If he’s available, he’ll start his 14th game of the season — one year after he surprised many around the Auburn program with his choice to forego his senior season despite precarious draft projections.

“I don’t want to go back and throw it in everybody’s face that thought it was a terrible decision,” Powers said in a phone interview from Miami. “Leaving Auburn was one of the hardest things I ever did just because of the bonds and the relationships and the career and the fun I had.

“I love Auburn with all my heart and will do anything for Auburn. But at that point of my life it was just a decision I had to make for me.”

The only regret Powers has is what happened during that first conversation with his highest-ranking boss.

Some NFL draft projections had Powers going as low as the seventh round, but strong performances at the NFL Combine and Auburn’s Pro Day helped boost his stock. His name was called early on the draft’s second day, going to the Colts with the 92nd overall pick in the third round.

That, alone, validated the decision. The 13 starts has just been a perk, borne out of hard work and circumstance.

“I just wanted to come in and compete early,” Powers said. “I busted my butt from day one and the coaches believed in me, and Mr. Polian and everybody believed in me, and it was my time to handle my business on the field.”

Before all that happened, though, Powers fumbled.

Right before his name was announced on ESPN’s draft special, Powers received a personal phone call from Polian. Overwhelmed by the excitement of it all, Powers dropped his phone.

“I accidentally hung up on him,” Powers said. “I hung up on the president.”

Powers’ second mistake moments later would create greater long-term consequences.

Powers promptly called Polian back and was directed to his secretary. The secretary ran down a list of questions, including what jersey number Powers, who wore No. 8 at Auburn, would like waiting for him when he arrived in Indianapolis.

Powers was too excited to care.

“My personality, my style, I said give me whatever,” Powers recalled. “I’m happy that I’m here. I’m ready to work, I don’t really care about a number, give me whatever.”

He probably should have cared. The Colts awarded Powers with No. 49, a number typically reserved for linebackers or fullbacks.

“I immediately became a big laughing stock in the locker room,” Powers said. “Once we played our first preseason game, they were like ‘Hey man, you need to go warm up with the linebackers,’ because of my number. It was so close to 50.”

When the Colts thinned their roster heading into the season opener, Powers had his pick of the litter and ended up with No. 25, which he’ll wear today.

Until his minor foot surgery, Powers couldn’t have scripted his rookie season much better. A barrage of injuries in the Indianapolis secondary allowed Powers to start the season opener.

He’s only relinquished the position because of injuries ever since.

Powers picked off a pass in a 20-17 win against the Houston Texans midway through the season and registered 66 tackles while guarding some of the league’s top receivers. He’ll be looking to add to those numbers today in a game he’s been waiting his entire life to play.

“Being able to play in the Super Bowl my first year as a rookie is just something special,” Powers said. “Some people go their whole careers without having this opportunity. For me to have this opportunity so soon, I’m just blessed.”

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