Illinois Football: Highlighting the rebound of the defensive backfield

DB’s Continue to Dominance For Illinois Football

Corey Parker’s defensive backs outperforming expectations is undoubtedly a welcome surprise for Illinois Football.

Through just 5 games, Aaron Henry’s secondary has hauled in 7 interceptions. Impressively, all turnovers through the air are attributed to only 3 players. It is certainly a huge step forward from where the young, and developing Illini defensive backfield was just a season ago.

According to Illinois Football on X (@IlliniFootball), Parker’s corners are currently the only unit in the nation to have 3 separate players with multiple interceptions.

Setting the pace.

We are the only team in the country with 3 players with multiple interceptions.#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/REI5qA3fQA

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 3, 2024

  Defending the passing game was undoubtedly a major weakness for the Illinois defense just a season ago. Given the early season play, credit goes to coaches Henry and Parker for their development within this unit, in just one offseason.

So far, Miles Scott, Xavier Scott, and Torrie Cox have done a solid job. The Illini defensive staff must certainly be excited to have all 3 of these highly talented juniors back in 2025.

Stats Through 5 Games 

Xavier Scott: 19 Solo tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, and 3 INTs

Miles Scott: 17 Solo tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 2 INTs

Torrie Cox Jr: 6 solo tackles, 2 INT’s

Sep 20, 2024;  Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

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