Illini DB Xavier Scott set for big time season after recovering from injury

It’s been quite a journey in Champaign for Illini defensive back Xavier Scott. The Palm Beach Gardens native was lightly recruited as a prep prospect and joined Illinois as part of Bret Bielema’s first full signing class in 2022. Scott, however, played 11 games as a true freshman, including one start. His natural athleticism and ball-hawking skills found him a spot amongst some very good defensive backs like Devon Witherspoon and Quan Martin. He continued to develop and even generated some NFL draft pick buzz heading into the 2025 season.

However, an injury at the end of the game vs Western Michigan kept him out for 10 games. Xavier Scott underwent surgery on September 24th and had to put his NFL dream on hold. Now that he’s healthy, however, look for Xavier Scott to be one of the best defensive backs in the Big Ten.

“I am Back”-Xavier Scott

On Thursday, August 6th, Xavier Scott met with members of the media and said, ““I am back, 100%, just ready to play ball.”

In 2024, Scott earned All-Big Ten first team honors as voted by the Associated Press and the Media. In fact, he earned honorable mention on Phil Steele’s All-American Team.

During that season, he recorded 49 tackles (43 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and six pass breakups.

Now that Scott is healthy, the Big Ten should watch out.

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