Player comparison

KJ Bolden

Dean Kindig

5 solos, 1 asst in Bills-scouted game vs 'Bama. Starks' replacement immediately impacted Georgia's defense as a 2024 true freshman, All-SEC honors in 2025. Noted for his range, high football IQ, trigger. Covers so much ground, and an exceptional open field tackler. Sparks: "Despite an undersized frame, he's a true center‑fielder with excellent ball skills in both man and zone, consistently playing bigger than he measures. He diagnoses routes early, triggers with confidence, and has that rare ability to stay calm and track the ball like a wideout. Whether he's matching vertically, squeezing space from depth, or baiting throws from the post, Bolden's instincts and finishing ability make him one of the most complete playmakers in the country."

Xavier Scott

Dean Kindig

Scott was a foundational breakout underclassman corner during Jim Leonhard's defensive schematic overhaul at Illinois. Scott mastered the slot-blitz and fluid zone coverage switches that define a classic Leonhard-influenced secondary. Positional flexibility to switch flawlessly between perimeter cornerback and nickel makes him an immensely valuable commodity. DNP due to ankle vs USC. Scott led the Big Ten in pass breakups (11) and tied for the conference lead in passes defended (14), Tied for second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in interceptions (4) during the regular season, 5 solos in the Illini's only 2024 scouted game vs Oregon. Consistent missed tackle rate (8%), ball skills (12 PBU & 6 INT in 23-24). 2025 Senior. No. 139 overall player in college football according to CBS.com's spring rankings, Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten first team, 2024 Junior. All-Big Ten First Team (Media and AP). Started all 13 games at DB. Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist as one of the top 15 defensive backs in college football, Led Big Ten cornerbacks in snaps played (792), No. 3-ranked cornerback in the Big Ten by PFF (82.3), No. 4-ranked tackling grade among cornerbacks in the Big Ten by PFF (85.1),. First player in the nation to force three turnovers in a game in 2024 (Kansas, 9/7/24). Recorded his first-career pick-six and his first-career two-interception game against Kansas (9/7/24).13GP-49TT-2TFL-4INT-6PBU in '24.