There’s not much doubt that Indiana cornerback Tiawan Mullen will be one of the best players at h

is position in the B1G in 2021. He’s been a star through his first two seasons in Bloomington.

But ESPN’s Bill Connelly is taking Mullen’s talent an extra step. He believes that the cornerback is one of the most versatile players returning to the college football scene this fall.

Recently, Connelly listed 50 of the most versatile players returning for the upcoming season. Mullen was labeled as a “sticky pass defender who is at home near the line of scrimmage.” Here’s what Connelly wrote about Mullen:

The junior from Fort Lauderdale has been one of IU’s best players since he first set foot in Bloomington. In two years and 59 pass attempts against him, he has allowed just 21 completions to 17 interceptions or breakups.

Mullen’s listed at just 5-10, 175 pounds, but he plays like he’s 6-2, 200. He’s one of the more physical corners you’ll come across, and he’s more than happy to stick his nose in opponents’ business near the line of scrimmage. Seventeen of his 52 career tackles have come within three yards of the line of scrimmage, and seven were TFLs. He’s also one of the surest tacklers you’ll see: despite playing most of the time in wide open spaces, his tackle success rate is 89%. For DBs, anything over about 80% is quite good. He was a no-brainer All-American last season and will be a favorite to earn honors for a second time this fall.

Last season, Mullen totaled 38 tackles during the Hoosiers’ 6-2 campaign. He was also credited with 3 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble.

Mullen has been one of IU’s top defensive players over the past two seasons and he’ll have a chance to build on that legacy this fall.