Countdown to Kickoff: 30 Days (Chase Dutra)

Written by: Lydia Knoll (@lydddknoll)

#30

There are now 30 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! Current IU player, Chase Dutra, wears #30.

Chase Dutra (Redshirt Junior)

-Height: 6’1”
-Weight: 200 pounds
-Hometown: Brownsburg, IN
-Position: Defensive Back

Defensive back, Chase Dutra, from Brownsburg has been a significant figure on the Indiana defense for the last two years. After redshirting his first season, he came out strong his second season and played in all 12 games of 2014, landing him an honorable mention on the All-Big Ten Freshman team. Dutra finished last season fifth on the team with 61 tackles and 38 solo stops, as well as one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. Dutra started seven out of eight games last season before ending his season early due to an injury. However, he was named the IU defensive player of the week twice in those eight games. 

As the season draws ever closer, the training these next few weeks will become much more crucial to the success of players like Dutra. Due to his injury last season, Dutra has been on the sidelines longer than his fellow teammates who are fighting for the same starting positions.

As mentioned in previous countdown articles, Coach Tom Allen’s new defensive scheme eliminates two linebackers and instead opens up more secondary positions. Dutra could be a player that we see move around a bit, possibly to a secondary position such as safety which he has experience playing from high school. The competition amongst the defensive backs is steep… Jonathon Crawford and Rashard Fant set the bar high with their performances last year. Other defensive backs returning from injury include Zeke Walker, Kiante Walton, and Andre Brown Jr. Along with them, the Hoosiers will pick up junior college transfer, Jayme Thompson. Dutra will certainly see the field but as for how much and how often, that will depend on his ability to prove himself healthy and strong after his injury. 

Share any comments or memories about Chase Dutra in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!