After an eventful first two weeks for Illinois football, a specific Illini athlete has stood out nationwide. Earlier this week, junior defensive back Xavier Scott was named the Defensive Player of the Week by Walter Camp Football, in addition to winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week as well.
Scott was a key player in each of Illinois’ season-opening victories but was especially impactful this weekend, as he helped the Illini take the win against No. 19 Kansas. The Jayhawks were on the receiving end of Scott’s first collegiate pick-six and his first time recording two interceptions in the same game.
A forced fumble in Saturday’s game also made Scott the only player in the nation to be responsible for three turnovers in a single game so far.
Scott has been an ironman for the Illini in his first two seasons, playing 11 games as a true freshman in 2022 and 12 games in 2023. Scott’s exceptional season is only just beginning, with many more opportunities to continue making an impact still in front of him.
