Tiawan Mullen, Indiana Football News: Draft Scout Player News

04/07/20 - CB Tiawan Mullen, Sr/2023, Indiana

The loss to Tennessee in the Gator Bowl still resonates with Indiana rising sophomore cornerback Tiawan Mullen. In a breakout freshman season, Mullen became a starter by early October and led the Big Ten with 13 pass breakups, earning honorable mention all-conference honors. The season closed with Mullen returning to his home state of Florida, but the 5-foot-10, 176-pound Fort Lauderdale native said the 23-22 loss to the Vols on Jan. 2 has driven him through offseason workouts. "Losing by one point, it kind of like boils my stomach, tears my stomach, but not the wrong way," Mullen said. "We lost by one point. What can we do differently? How can we approach the 2020 season? There's always a chip on my shoulder. That's how I want to approach my sophomore season."

Mullen has set high goals for himself since first stepping on campus, including winning the Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football. In addition to the 13 pass breakups, Mullen tied for the IU lead last season with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. That season has put Mullen on the radar nationally, as Athlon Sports recently named him as one of the top 35 breakout candidates in college football in 2020. "I just want to improve on that, become a more vocal leader out there on the field," Mullen said. "Just being comfortable for when they need me to make big-time plays." Mullen is back in Fort Lauderdale as IU players are scattered throughout the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. But he's found parks to work out at and weights to lift. He's also got a pair of familiar workout partners in his older brother, Trayvon Mullen, who just finished his rookie NFL season with the Oakland Raiders, and his younger brother, Trevell Mullen, a four-star Class of 2022 recruit who already has offers from IU, Kentucky and Oregon. - Herald Bulletin

Sr/2023