Greenwood (Ind.) Center Grove running back Elliott Dutra made his college decision Monday night and he will now get to go to the school he has wanted to attend.
Coach (Mark) Smith came to my home last night & said that they (Ball State) want me to play running back for them next year," Dutra said. "He said I have great hands and a lot of speed. He thinks I can help them win. So, I have decided to give my verbal to Ball State."
"I won't be going on all other official visits, except to Ball State this weekend," Dutra explained. Out of all the schools I visited, I have always liked the coaches and the facilities at Ball State the best. Again, I appreciate everything you did and I am now a Ball State Cardinal."
Dutra had options to potentially play at a BCS school, but he waited it out and it worked for him and his family.
"Indiana, Purdue and Arizona wanted me as a preferred walk-on, because I had some academic issues and that is why my recruitng was slow rolled," Dutra stated. "I am doing 100-percent better since my transfer to Center Grove and it is because of my Coach Eric Moore and how he runs the football program
"When I first trasferred to Center Grove he sat me down and put together a game plan to get me qualified. Also, My mom and dad were always there to help. I just wanted to give Coach Moore a shout out for all he did..."Thanks"
Dutra had an outstanding performance at the Scout.com All-American Combine in Chicago as a junior.