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Illinois football is bringing one of the top secondaries in the country to this year's college football season with Xavier Scott among its leaders. 

He will be flanked by Matthew Bailey and Juice Clark to provide an NFL caliber secondary for a team with designs on playing championship level football at the college level.

Over the weekend, Scott was given the opportunity to speak on the Big Ten Network during which he detailed what it was like being stuck on the sidelines last season, as well as his recovery process.

Scott, who was named a preseason All-Big Ten member by Athlon Sports, chose to focus on the positives as he explained the situation alongside Bailey. 

Gratitude and Blessings

Scott explained that being off the field for all but three games last season was difficult but he is doing his best to keep things in perspective. 

"Yea the recovery process was pretty tough, I always wanna be out there with my brothers and my teammates but I'm just grateful that I was able to come back to 100% and I'm just blessed to get the opportunity to, you know, show my talents again this year," he said.

"And I'm just grateful for every opportunity I get," he added. 

Scott is a versatile, ball-hawking defensive back who was named a team captain this offseason, one of six on the Fighting Illini. 

Prior to his injury in 2025, he was an All-Big Ten First Team selection and Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-American. 

Scott has what it takes to take the Illini to new heights, and he's eager to do it starting on Sept. 3 vs. UAB. 

What Scott Learned From Time on Sidelines

Scott was also asked what he has learned from his time on the sidelines. 

Many athletes report they see the game through new eyes and different perspectives during such times. 

Scott's answer was direct and insightful. 

"I learn how I can help your team in different ways," he said. "You don't always have to be on the field to have an impact your teammates.  

"Just kind of being around them, being a positive leader is bigger than actually being on the field, so I just learning how to be that positive leader off the field more than just being on the field," he said. 

The Fighting Illini are expected to face quarterback UAB QB Ryder Burton early next month at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Burton had 708 yards passing along with seven touchdowns and five interceptions as a sophomore but has the added experience necessary to make things interesting on Sept. 3. 

Scott, Bailey and his teammates have been forged through the fire of multiple seasons under one unified, coach Bret Bielema, and several other known and trusted collaborators. 

Illinois has the talent and experience necessary to blow UAB out of the water, but it will take more than a physical approach to get the job done, something Scott learned all too well last season while watching from the sidelines. 

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