David Hurst washes his own clothes, carries his own bags and rides the bus to games.

This is not the big time.

“I’m having such a good time,” said Hurst, a former Kansas University football player who is an Arena League 2 rookie with the Wichita Stealth. “It’s weird. I didn’t even know football could be this much fun.”

Hurst was a four-year starter for KU as a tight end and offensive lineman from 1999 to 2002, but the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder had no options for a pro career when his college career ended.

“Nobody knew who is I was,” said Hurst, who never played on a winning team at Kansas. “It’s hard coming out of KU. There were some guys who could play that got overlooked. That will change with coach (Mark) Mangino. They’re starting to win now.”

Hurst is one of six former Jayhawks on Arena Football League or Arena League 2 rosters, including Stealth teammate Ervin Holloman.

For a year, it looked as if Hurst never might get a chance. Undrafted and unsigned after his senior season, he went home to Austin, Texas, and tried to stay in shape in case an offer came his way.

He went to work as a substitute teacher at an Austin middle school.

“Kids are just bad,” said Hurst, who earned a communications degree at KU. “Me in there trying to teach biology was not a good mix.”

Hurst also went to training camp, but not for a pro team. The Texan was among many football players vying for a part in the movie “Friday Night Lights,” based on the book about high school football in Texas.

Hurst went through camp but bolted before parts were cast when he was invited to Arena League tryouts in November. He signed with Wichita in January.

“I just want to show people I can play,” he said. “That’s all I can ask for.”

David Hurst, who played at Kansas University from 1999 to 2002, is a rookie with the Wichita Stealth of Arena League 2.

Most athletes play both ways in arena ball, but Hurst hadn’t played defense since his freshman year in high school. Through six games, he had 31/2 sacks and had forced two fumbles for the Stealth (5-1). On offense, he’s caught two passes for 41 yards, including a touchdown.

“I’m not really a defensive player,” he said. “I’m just learning.”

Hurst won’t get rich in Wichita, but — like most arena-leaguers — he hopes this job will lead to bigger things.

Hurst said Arena League 2 players made $200 a game for a 16-game season. In the AFL — the next step up the indoor ladder — players make a minimum of $900 a game and a maximum of $80,000 during a 16-game season.

“Some guys have other jobs,” Hurst said. “I’m fortunate enough I’m getting by without a job. It’s tough for some guys. My parents are helping me. I went home and worked for a year, so I’m sitting pretty good financially.

“I just want a chance. I love football, and I’d do anything to prove I can play.”

Hurst had never seen an arena game until he played in one, but he quickly adapted to the indoor game — which counts a 50-yard field, eight players to a side and a running clock among its many quirks.

“People try to call it a gimmick, but it’s catching on,” Hurst said. “It’s football, but it’s a different form of football.”