However, after making his first GUINNESS PRO12 start in round five against Ulster, Sutherland hasn't looked back and has gone from strength-to-strength.
His form hasn't gone unnoticed and on June 1 Sutherland will become a full-time professional after signing a two-year deal - much to his delight.
"I never thought this time last year I'd be where I am today and that I'd have had so much game time - I thought I'd be lucky to come off the bench a couple of times," Sutherland told the club's official website.
"The way the season's gone has been fantastic, though. I started in the two pre-season friendlies and got plenty of game time.
"Then when the GUINNESS PRO12 started I came off the bench a few times - it was a challenge to get up to speed and I found I was struggling those first few games.
"The pace and the physicality were a bit of a shock and it took a bit to get used to the way Edinburgh play. One thing I've learned is that knowing your role makes the game a lot easier."
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