Notes and Quotes From Brandon Shelby and CBs Tiawan Mullen and Jaylin Williams
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Image: Indiana University Athletics
Written by Juliet Gahan
Indiana has it’s first full pad practice in just three days. Yesterday Cornerbacks coach Brandon Shelby gave fans an inside look at the depth of the cornerback position. Players Jaylin Williams and Taiwan Mullen talked about what they are doing to make this season better than the last.
Notes
Tiawan Mullen is ready for sophomore year.
Several true freshmen and younger players are standing out in practice. Be on the lookout for Larry Tracy III, Lem Watley-Neely and Christopher Keys.
Quotes
Brandon Shelby
COVID-19 pandemic has got everyone on their toes this season. Cornerback coach Brandon Shelby noted that with today’s circumstances, players have to be ready for anything.
“During this time, it is so crazy, one test and somebody is out.” Said Shelby. IU player’s have rapid tests every single day. “We have to make sure that the next eight-nine weeks we are healthy and we can go the whole season.” Shelby said. Coaches are emphasizing how important it is for players to practice protective measures in and out of the complex.
Shelby noted that sophomore defensive back Taiwan Mullen is hard at work to make another stellar season for the Hoosiers.
“He loves football. When you get that DNA, it is awesome to coach. We just push him, hold him to a different standard and hopefully God will keep blessing him and he will keep rising like he has thus far.” Said Shelby. Last season Mullen led the Big Ten with 13 pass breakups and had 29 tackles.
“Ultimately, at the end of the day, you could mess around, and hopefully this does not happen, but you could test positive and the next guys has to be ready to go play. That is the biggest different from years past.” Said Shelby. He noted that there were several young players who have been making an impact during practice.
Redshirt freshman Larry Tracy III has been making plays. Shelby noted how much Tracy has grown as a player in the last year. He’s locked into school and is ready to play. Others mentioned are Lem Watley-Neely and Christoper Keys. Both true freshmen have lots of athletic potential.
“Athletically, they are some of the best freshmen that we have. I am excited and I expect great things from those guys. Said Shelby.
Jaylin Williams
Junior Defensive Back Jaylin Williams posted 19 tackles. He appeared in all 13 games at cornerback. Williams has kept positive about the season throughout the pandemic.
“You have to think of it as a glass half-full not a glass half-empty type of situation.” Said Williams, “We had to keep having hope that the season was going to come back and it did.” Williams is ready to play.
“I am trying to help IU, right now, win as much as possible.” Williams said.
Taiwan Mullen
Mullen is ready to take on sophomore season.
“What I did last year, it was great and everything, but with Coach Shelby behind me, I need to push harder.” Said Mullen, “Just reach the team goals and whatever accolades that's for me out there will come after we reach the team goals.”
“Me and Coach Shelby talk a lot about knowing the next step, knowing the next play and knowing the check call that's coming and knowing what's coming ahead of time.”Mullen said. If Mullen can anticipate what’s coming in the next eight weeks, the Hoosiers will have a promising season ahead.