Player comparison

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.

Jyaire Hill

Dean Kindig

3 solos and an assist, a TFL, and a PBU vs OK, 3x 2024 Defensive Player of the Game honors for his performance against USC, Minnesota, Michigan State --all scouted. Also tied for the lead with six tackles including one for loss and two pass breakups against USC (Sept. 21 2024). Broke up one pass and contributed four tackles against scouted Michigan State (Oct. 26, 2024). Made one solo tackle starting on the outside at Indiana in a third scouted game (Nov. 9). Has appeared in 16 games with nine starts at defensive back. Sophomore (2024)--. Appeared in 12 games with nine starts at defensive back; made 35 tackles with 5.5 for loss and one sack, and made nine pass breakups with one interception to earn his second varsity letter.. Made his first collegiate start against Fresno State (Aug. 31) and broke up a pass with two tackles made. Started on the outside against Texas (Sept. 7) and made five solo tackles including one for loss. Broke up one pass and made one tackle in a start against Arkansas State (Sept. 14).. Recovered his first career interception and delivered 1.5 tackles for a loss in a scouted game vs Minnesota (Sept. 28). Finished with seven tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup at Washington (Oct. 5). Broke up one pass and made two tackles including one for loss at Illinois (Oct. 19).. Broke up one pass playing in the secondary against Northwestern (Nov. 23). Made two solo tackles from the secondary at Ohio State (Nov. 30). Contributed three tackles against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl (Dec. 31)