Indiana football: Five questions for Tom Allen at 2022 Big Ten Media Days

#1. Which players have taken the biggest leadership role in the offseason?

Now it’s expected that the three players that are representing Indiana football at Big Ten Media Days are most likely the players that have taken a leadership role this offseason, but who else? Tiawan Mullen and Cam Jones, as leaders on the defensive side of the ball, are supposed to be those guys that take charge and return the defense to its 2020 state.

Mullen, who missed most of last season due to a lingering foot injury, decided to return for his senior season to show his prowess as one of the best cornerbacks in college football. In 2020, Mullen racked up the fourth most tackles on the stacked defense that was the Indiana Hoosiers and grabbed three interceptions in the shortened 8-game season. According to PFF, Mullen ranks as the highest graded Power 5 DB in run support since 2019 at 93.3.

Cam Jones finished with the third most tackles (60) last season in just 10 games and with both players ahead of him lost to the NFL, Micah McFadden (NY Giants) and Raheem Layne (LA Chargers), Jones is poised to make the biggest impact and lead the charge defensively.

Though it’s thought that AJ Barner is tagging along for Big Ten Media Days due to the lack of a confirmed starting quarterback, Barner is the most likely candidate for being the leading receiver for Bazelak or Tuttle this upcoming season. Barner is filling some big shoes left behind from Peyton Hendershot as he led the Hoosiers in receiving yards (543) and touchdowns (4) last season and racked up 136 receptions, 1,479 receiving yards, and finished with 14 total receiving touchdowns.