2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 3 Days (Tiawan Mullen)

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The 2021 Countdown to Kickoff is almost over. Yes, we are just the point total equivalent of one Charles Campbell field goal away from the Indiana Hoosiers beginning the 2021 season with a clash against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Today’s countdown features two of the best players on this year’s squad: Ty Fryfogle and Tiawan Mullen.

Name: Tiawan Mullen

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Coconut Creek High School)

Position: Cornerback

Year: Junior

Height/Weight: 5’10”/180 pounds

Tiawan Mullen has been one of the more impactful and important recruits in recent IU history. That statement can be made confidently not just because of his play on the field but because of the difference his attitude and confidence has made on the entire program. From the time he was recruited as a prospect, to his commitment where he spelled out his intentions to Tom Allen, to his immediate impact on the gridiron, Mullen has been a difference-maker.

Tiawan’s brother Trayvon was a cornerback at Clemson University that is currently playing with the Las Vegas Raiders and his cousin is Lamar Jackson, the prolific quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. He was a four-star prospect in Florida and surprised everyone by choosing to believe in Tom Allen and the potential of the IU football program. He came to Bloomington with the intention of winning a Big Ten Championship and he has worked to bring others along with him.

He splashed on the scene early, leading the Big Ten in pass breakups as a true freshman in 2019. Mullen was a Freshman All-American and honorable-mention All-Big Ten. IU’s defense made a leap and Mullen helped propel the Hoosiers to the Gator Bowl. In 2020, Mullen added a pass rush to his arsenal as defensive coordinator Kane Wommack deployed the speedy corner on blitzes in certain situations. He led all Big Ten defensive backs with 3.5 sacks and added three interceptions, 38 tackles and four pass breakups. He was named a first-team All-American and was honored as IU’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Mullen returns in 2021 as the anchor of an IU secondary that is expecting to be one of the Big Ten’s best. He partners with Reece Taylor to form arguably the best cornerback duo in the league and one of the best in the country. The Mullen name is going to continue as Tiawan’s younger brother will be coming to Bloomington to play for Tom Allen beginning in 2022. It’s just one more way that Tiawan Mullen has had an impact that will not be forgotten.

The countdown continues with a new profile each and every day so come back to hoosierhuddle.com daily!