Indiana University Athletics
Climbing High – Best Still Ahead for IU Secondary
4/2/2021 12:32:00 PM | Football
By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - It's almost unfair how good Indiana's secondary could be next season.
Almost.
The Hoosiers are driven to improve on last season's 6-2 break-through effort in every way, including defense, which rated among the Big Ten's best in multiple categories.
"I am trying to make sure there is no drop-off," veteran safety Raheem Layne says.
Given the pass-happy, wide-open nature of college offenses, you have no chance if you can't defend the air game, and IU is built to do that as never before.
"We are on a good path, headed toward success," Layne says. "We are trying to continue to go in the upward direction."
The days of IU's secondary being the defense's weak link are over. With cornerbacks such as Tiawan Mullen (an All-American), Reese Taylor (versatile enough to win IU's special teams player-of-the-year award), and Jaylin Williams (an All-Big Ten selection), and safeties such as Layne, Devon Mathews, Josh Sanguinetti, and Juwan Burgess, throw at these guys are your own risk.
Last year's Big Ten-best 17 interceptions reflect that.
"This year it's more of a standard we have to set and uphold," Taylor says. "Every practice and any game we play, we have to set that goal and make sure we reach it."
Having so many secondary veterans returning, Taylor says, adds to the potential.
"It's a big part of the team. It's going to help us out a lot.
"Our defense is making a bigger step to get together as a whole to play even faster, to play even better."
Holding that standard, Taylor says, includes mentoring young cornerbacks such as Christopher Keys and Lem Watley-Neely.
"They look up to the older guys," Taylor says, "so the older guys need to be a step ahead of them at all times to make sure they are following the right way, the right path.
"We can't show them the wrong way or mislead them or that will set them back."
He says Keys and Watley-Neely "Pick up quick. They learn the defense quick. They listen to us and always make sure they are on the right track. The defense fits to them and makes them play their roles right."
No Hoosier sets a bigger example than Mullen, who beyond his 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks (the most of any Big Ten defensive back), three interceptions and one forced fumble last season also made academic all-conference and was named team defensive player of the year.
"It's a great feeling, great honor," he says about being a defensive leader. "When I first came in, the guys, the coaches trusted me. Playing special teams, playing defense, whatever they needed me to do. I went out there and did my job and gained their trust.
"Headed into my junior year, it's just an honor to play with those guys beside me and the coaches who coach me. It's an honor to have their trust and be myself out there, making plays for the team."
Layne shares that honor while also providing direction to younger players.
"I want to make sure we bring the younger guys along with us and continue on the path we are on."
Layne is at safety after being a difference-making cornerback his first three seasons. In 37 games, he totaled 82 tackles and six pass deflections.
As a junior he led all Indiana cornerbacks in tackles (30). As a freshman, he was named IU's defensive newcomer of the year.
"When I was playing corner," he says, "I tried to make sure I did a good job in learning our overall defense."
As far as moving to safety, "The defense has stayed the same, so all that is different is my position on the field. It's been a smooth transition. I feel natural back there. I feel it's going to be a good year."
An injury sidelined Layne all of last season. He says he felt good enough to play, but when the pandemic delayed the start (the Big Ten initially postponed the season before later deciding to play), he had surgery.
"I knew we were in good hands. I wanted to make sure I was taking care of myself. I knew I was coming back for another year, and wanted to make sure I would be feeling good the whole time. I also wanted to make sure I was able to give it all I have."
Layne shares that give-it-all mentality with veteran Hoosiers recognized during Thursday night's team awards ceremony.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and linebacker Micah McFadden shared the Anthony Thompson Most Valuable Player award.
Other winners included kicker Charles Campbell (Most Outstanding Specialist of the Year), receiver Ty Fryfogle (Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year), receiver Whop Philyor (Outback Bowl Most Outstanding Player), quarterback Jack Tuttle (LEO award) and running back Davion Ervin-Poindexter and receiver Christian Harris, who shared the inaugural Chris Beaty Outstanding Walk-on Player of the Year.
Beaty, an Indiana defensive lineman from 2000-03, was shot and killed last May.
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