IUFB Pro Day Primer: Safety Chase Dutra
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Chase Dutra is participating in IU's Pro Day Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
Chase Dutra came to Indiana University as a talented recruit with a lot to prove in 2013. The multi-sport athlete did a little bit of everything for Brownsburg High School. He excelled in basketball for three years before focusing on football full-time. Dutra played safety and wide receiver. He racked up over 1,800 rushing yards, 1,000 receiving yards, and 33 total touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns came on punt returns. Dutra’s playmaking ability and versatility made him one of the best players in the state by his senior year of high school. He finished his high school career as a the 79th best safety in the country and the 19th best player in Indiana per 247 Sports. He was also named to the all-conference team twice while helping Brownsburg win back-to-back conference championships.
Dutra was poised to contribute in a big way after redshirting his first year at IU. He stepped up and played in all twelve games as a redshirt freshman. Dutra made an instant impact. He racked up 34 tackles, forced a fumble, and had three interceptions. Dutra was named IU’s defensive player of the week on two occasions. His three interceptions were tied for most on the team and tied for the most by a Big Ten freshmen that season. Two of his interceptions were paramount in Indiana’s victories against North Texas and Purdue. He also finished second among Big Ten freshmen in pass breakups. It was evident from early on that Dutra was a smart player who was never afraid of the moment.
As a redshirt sophomore, Dutra’s growth was unfortunately hindered by injury. He started in only seven games, but he made the most of those starts. Despite missing time, he still finished fifth on the team in tackles with 61. He had four tackles for a loss and forced another fumble. Dutra proved he could step up into the box and help in run-defense. He was again named Indiana’s defensive player of the week twice. Following the season, Indiana ushered in Tom Allen as defensive coordinator. Dutra would benefit greatly from Allen’s promise to improve IU’s defense and special teams. That promise turned out to be as good as a guarantee.
Always a leader in the secondary, Dutra looked to take a leap as an upperclassman. As a redshirt junior, Dutra played in ten games and made 46 tackles. Dutra stepped up in the biggest games of the year, forcing a fumble against Ohio State and recovering a fumble in the Foster Farms Bowl. He proved to have a serious nose for the ball. Against a top-ten Nebraska team, Dutra blocked a punt which was recovered for a safety. He was team captain for a game and was named two-time IU special teams player of the week. Dutra was a key cog in Allen’s complete turnaround of Indiana’s defense and special teams.
Dutra’s senior season was one for the memory bank. He consistently managed to be in the right place at the right time. Dutra led the team in tackles with an impressive 96 total and 65 solo. His 96 tackles were 9th in the Big Ten. He forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and started all 12 games. Dutra was an anchor on an Indiana defense that remarkably continued to improve. Year after year, Dutra showed something new. He constantly evolved throughout his career at Indiana. He was an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team. He was IU’s special teams player of the year. Dutra finished his Hoosier career with 237 tackles, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
Dutra’s playmaking ability and versatility earned him Big Ten scholarship offers in high school. Now those same skills are helping him build a case as an NFL prospect. Although there’s no guarantee Dutra will get drafted, Pro Day will give him a perfect opportunity to catch the eye of NFL scouts. He is currently ranked as the 39th best strong safety out of 134, per draftscout.com. In the event Dutra doesn’t get drafted, he’ll still get plenty of opportunities to make an NFL roster or practice squad. Dutra will be remembered for his steady hand in the secondary and for helping resurrect Indiana’s defense.
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