Tiawan

Mullen

Mullen (5'10/180) was injured in late-September, and has not played in a game since. The junior defensive back’s return comes at a great time for the Hoosiers, as Ohio State boasts one of the best wide receiver units in college football. So long as Mullen is fully healthy, he’ll see plenty of action Saturday night.

The initial belief was that Mullen (5'10/180) would play on Saturday against Penn State, but the All-American defensive back warmed up before the game before trainers said he would be unable to play. Mullen has played in the first four games of the season for Indiana, registering 18 tackles on the season with four pass breakups according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s tough to get much individual recognition playing at Indiana, but Mullen was as good a true freshman as any coach could ask for in 2019. Starting all 13 games, Mullen (5'10/175) allowed just 18 receptions at 45% completion rate allowed. Furthermore, Mullen forced incompletions in 30% of his targets, meaning he directly got a hand on the ball for the break up. If Mullen can be this lights out as a freshman in the Power 5, who knows what he may become by the time he is draft eligible.

Inexperience has not been a hindrance for Mullen. Despite being just a true freshman, Mullen (5'10/175) pitched a shutout versus a solid Michigan State offense while being targeted seven times. Mullen did not come down with an interception, but it’s tough to not be impressed by how well he played versus a more talented team. Indiana will face Rutgers on Oct. 12.