Miles Scott named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Miles Scott had a 48-yard interception return in the Toledo Game.

Coming into the season, one of the question marks was the secondary because Illini sent three defensive backs to the NFL. As a result, the secondary had to be rebuilt. If Saturday night was any indication, the secondary will be just fine. Safety Miles Scott returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown. Illinois desperately needed that play. Scott nabbed six total tackles and a pass defended in addition to the interception. The pick-six turned the tide for Illinois, sparking a comeback victory.

Scott earned Co-Big Ten Player of the Week for his efforts:

Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week: Miles Scott

Took his first-career interception to the house for a 48-yard pick six in the third quarter in an Illini victory.#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/56JIY4mlQC

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 5, 2023

It was the only pick-six in the Big Ten and the fifth-longest on the opening weekend in college football. Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin also earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week alongside Scott. The Dolton, Illinois native earned another accolade for his play on Saturday night. Scott’s beginnings were unassuming in Illinois. He was a walk-on who spent his first two seasons as a wide receiver in Champaign. Looks like the transition to defensive back is working just fine.

This fact should come as no surprise to Illinois fans. The Illini finds players who produce at safety seemingly out of nowhere. Ironically, Kerby Joseph and Kendall Smith came from nowhere to be productive safeties for Illinois. In addition to being Co-Defensive Player of the Week, Scott received another accolade.

Scott is the highest-graded safety from Week 1.

Scott earned the highest grade from Pro Football Focus College for his position:

Highest graded Safeties from Week 1🔥 pic.twitter.com/h8oeoIyEKO

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 4, 2023

Scott’s run defense grade was 76.1, which was 17th among safeties. However, his pass-defense grade was 90.1, good for third. As a result, his total grade was first among all safeties.

Miles had this to say after the game:

“It’s just blessings on blessings. I just thank God for all the opportunities that I’ve been given. I’m just trying to take advantage of it as best as I can. I just go out there and play with the guys who are on the field with me. We just have to lock in and win. At the end of the day, all we’re trying to do is win.”