CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Football thrives on competition, whether it’s for victories or playing time. In Illinois’s defensive back room this season, the spirit of competition is fueled by camaraderie and mutual respect.

The team boasts the highest number of returning starters in the Big Ten, with 16 players coming back, including five defensive backs. Among them are Xavier Scott, Miles Scott, Matthew Bailey, Torrie Cox Jr., and Kaleb Patterson, alongside emerging talents like Jaheim Clarke and Tanner Heckel.

Clarke, preparing for his junior year, described the competition as “friendly.” He emphasized, “We all compete to be the top corner, but it’s also a brotherhood. We’re close, pushing each other to improve while still supporting one another.”

Clarke spent the last two seasons learning directly from All-Big Ten First Team selection Xavier Scott.

Clarke shared, “Every morning, I drove him to practice, and we’d discuss our performance. After practice, we would analyze the day, offering feedback like, ‘You did well on this play, but you could improve here,’ or ‘You got outplayed there’—it’s been like having an older brother guiding me.”

Leading the group is second-year defensive backs coach Corey Parker, who has inspired both fans and players with his spirited approach. Aaron Henry mentioned their “good cop, bad cop” dynamic in managing the defense.

“Coach Parker makes everyone believe they’re 6’8″ and run a 4.3 40 [yard dash],” said Henry.

This season, they have a variety of capable defensive backs to choose from, making it a challenge to determine who best fits the needs against different offensive strategies.

“That gives us a chance to, you know, cover different types of receivers and give different looks to offense,” said Parker. “I’m pretty excited to see just a multitude of bodies, body types and skill sets. When you mix that together, you really help yourself out on defense a little bit. Nowadays, so many different forms of 11-person offenses.”

Xavier Scott has already received notice ahead of the season, named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch lists.