CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – On Wednesday, Miles Scott addressed the media and was asked about the most significant changes he’s experienced since his arrival at the University of Illinois in 2021.

“I was young, a lot younger,” Scott said with a smile before an obvious answer suddenly occurred. “Oh, I’m a defensive back now.”

Initially joining Illinois as a wide receiver, Scott did not switch to the defensive side of the game right away. It was only in his third year with the team that the Dolton, Ill. native opted to transition to defense.

Once he joined the defensive backs, Scott’s development was swift. He became a team captain in 2024, achieving two interceptions, 55 tackles, six pass deflections, and forcing one fumble.

Luke Altmyer helping receivers and other quarterbacks grow

Unquestionably, Scott has become larger, faster, and stronger since his early days with the Illini. However, in discussing his growth and changes, he frequently emphasized gaining knowledge over physical attributes or skills.

“Man, I just got a lot more knowledge of the game,” he shared with WCIA 3. “I feel like I can talk to a lot more of the younger guys and let them know like ‘Man, you should do this. You shouldn’t do that.’ I feel like I got a lot more wisdom and I just try to spread that with everybody.”

For the fifth-year senior, it’s as simple as paying it forward.

“When I was that age, Tony Adams I got to talk to a lot. Isaiah Williams, Keith Randolph, Brian Hightower, those are guys that I always talked to that helped me out when I was young.”