Written by: @zachegreene

There have been a lot of changes this past off-season with the IU Football Program but there have been some things that have stayed the same. This cornerback unit is led by fifth-year senior cornerback, Jaylin Williams along with Tiawan Mullen and Devon ‘Monster’ Matthews.

“Honestly, I think it’s just getting the culture back and all in the team just being more LEO honestly. I feel like everyone is more confident in their ability. Just being one with Coach Allen as he really knows us. He’s been around us for all these years. I think it’s a great opportunity for us.” said Williams during a Tuesday morning press conference.

Williams likes what he’s seeing from the new players and coaches. This season on the defensive side of the ball it will be led by head coach Tom Allen who takes over defensive play calling duties. Williams sees a spark within the team and himself after last year's season. He feels like he still had a lot to give to the program which is why he decided to come back for another season.

Williams is the team leader with six interceptions and earned the Corby Davis award for most Outstanding Cornerback for the Program. As a freshman in 2018, Williams played in all 12 games making 22 tackles and one interception.

“I just feel like I wasn’t done. It’s just not me to run away from the grind coming off the season that we had. It gave me even more reason to stay. I’m not done here at IU. I just want to show the world what we can do.”

Williams is a leader that Head Coach Tom Allen will be looking toward this season to show the young players what it takes to win at the next level. When asked about what he is telling the young players during fall camp he said this.

“Just be confident in your abilities because you’re gonna mess up. Nobody’s perfect. Don’t look at it as a mistake because everybody makes mistakes.”

To go along with Williams the Hoosiers bring back starters Taiwan Mullen and Monster Matthews. Having this much experience and guys who are willing to take a leadership role must make Tom Allen and his staff proud.

Last season, Mullen made all the PFF Team of the Week against Western Kentucky but his season was derailed by injuries. On the other hand, during the 2020 season, Mullen was made First-Team All American by Phil Steele and first-team all-Big Ten teams.

Monster earned the most outstanding defensive player and tallied 55 tackles and one interception in 2021.

“I think that it does help a lot. But it also shows how much we love this team and really just want this team to be the best that it can be. I think that it’s great that we're all still here and wanting the best for IU.”

This season, the program has very little to no attention on them compared to last year at this time which could be exactly what this program needs. It will be interesting to see who earns starting jobs else were on the field. Stayed up to date @HoosierHuddle for all the information and inside as spring camp marches on.

The Huddle

Jaylin Williams, Tiawan Mullen and 'Monster' Matthews Ready to Lead a Veteran Secondary

Hoosier Huddle