Written by Matt Smith

Indiana’s secondary was supposed to be one of Indiana’s strengths during the season, but with constant injuries to the secondary, the Hoosiers were forced to keep cycling in new players who didn’t have much experience in Big Ten action. Tiawan Mullen and Reese Taylor continued to be in and out of the line up last season, which was a major factor for IUFB’s reduction in turnovers and aggressive defensive play.

With the departure of Taylor, the cornerbacks will look very different this year, including some key recruits likely to see the field early.

Departures

Reese Taylor decided to transfer from IU to rival Purdue during a crazy transfer period for the Hoosiers, as did Indianapolis native Larry Tracy III to Illinois State. Another key departure for the group was the loss of defensive coordinator Charlton Warren, who accepted a co-DC coaching position at North Carolina. The Hoosiers brought in Chad Wilt from Minnesota to help lead the defense, and Brandon Shelby and Jason Jones return to lead the corners and safeties again in 2022.

Returnees

Tiawan Mullen and Jaylin Williams both announced their returns for the 2022 season after debating heading to the NFL Draft. This is a huge boost for the position group as Mullen was an all-Big Ten player during the 2020 season and had a lot of hype surrounding him heading into the 2021 season. Mullen spent most of the season injured, which obviously limited his (and the defense’s production). Williams had six interceptions throughout his career for the Hoosiers and is certainly talented enough to start just about everywhere. Williams started seven games for the Hoosiers last season while battling injury as well. Noah Pierre is also returning for the Hoosiers. Pierre had some big moments for the Hoosiers this season, including a big interception in the end zone against Michigan State.

Other Key Returnees:

Chris Keys
Deland McCullough II
Lem Watley-Neely
Larry Smith III

Newcomers:

Trevell Mullen is a four-star recruit and brother of Tiawan Mullen. He is the 29th ranked corner coming out of the 2022 class.

https://247sports.com/Player/Trevell-Mullen-46080152/

James Monds is a three star recruit out of Florida. He is the 55th ranked corner out of the 2022 class.

https://247sports.com/player/james-monds-iii-46099629/

Jamari Sharpe brings speed to the position. He will need some time to develop into his body and the Big Ten, but maybe his speed can help the Hoosiers on special teams. When he steps on campus, he may be IU’s fastest player.

Scholarships (10)

Tiawan Mullen
Jaylin Williams
Noah Pierre
Chris Keys
Lem Watley-Neely
Larry Smith III
Deland McCullough II
Trevell Mullen
James Monds
Jamari Sharpe

The Huddle

State of the Room - IUFB Cornerbacks

Hoosier Huddle