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Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – defense

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back C.J. Stokes (23) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back C.J. Stokes (23) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

  • Starter: Xavier Scott

Illinois had some big-time contributing freshmen last season. One of those freshmen was Xavier Scott. He was thrown to the wolves and came out stronger than ever. Scott played in 11 games for the Illini and even started the bowl game against Mississippi State.

As a freshman, Scott would finish with 15.0 tackles, 1.0 pass deflections, and 1.0 forced fumbles. He performed well in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and I think he now has a chance to step up and start for Illinois. I think he is the other starting cornerback in the Illini secondary heading into the 2023 campaign.

  • 2nd String: Tyler Strain

I don’t think Scott is going to dominate the snaps this season, though. Tyler Strain is a talented defensive back, and I have him as the second-string option to Scott. Strain can hold his own. As a redshirt freshman last season, he played in 12 games and started the ReliaQuest Bowl as well. Strain would finish the season with 14.0 tackles, 3.0 pass deflections, 2.0 interceptions, and 0.5 tackles for loss. Look for Strain to push Scott at cornerback. Both players should see starts in 2023.

  • 3rd String: Miles Scott

Miles Scott came into the Illinois program and redshirted in 2021. He would then play in every game for the program last season. But, this offseason, Scott would switch positions. He went from wide receiver to defensive back. I am not sure how quickly he will get acclimated to the new role, but I have Scott as the third-string cornerback for Illinois. He could easily move up the depth chart as well.

  • 4th String: Price Ford

Illinois snagged junior college transfer Prince Ford from the 2023 class. He was a three-star recruit and the No. 138 JUCO player in the country. This was a good depth addition to the roster. I don’t expect much out of Ford this season, but Ford gives the coaches more options.

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