Illinois Should Have Added Help In Defensive Backfield Against Central Michigan

Shandel Richardson | Sep 12, 2024

Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Tyler Strain (20) celebrates after tackling Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Quentin Skinner (0) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

After missing the opener against Eastern Illinois and being limited last week, Illini defensive back Tyler Strain is expected a full go this weekend.

"T-Strain, he played a couple snaps on special teams last week but he'll be playing on the line of scrimmage," Bielema said. "He'll start on a couple phases for us." 

In fact, Bielema said the Illini are closer to full strength.

"From a health standpoint, we're actually going to be healthier than we were last week," Bielema said. 

VERSATILITY KEY FOR X SCOTT

Perhaps it's best to label Illini defensive back Xavier Scott as just a football player.

That's how coach Bret Bielema feels about his versatility.

"The thing about Xavier Scott is just the versatility that he brings," Bielema said. "I tell [NFL] scouts all the time, I really wish I could tell you what he's going to play." 

Last week, Scott almost single-handedly led the Illini to the upset against Kansas. He had two interceptions and a forced fumble. He ran one pick back for a 30-yard touchdown.

Bielema said the versatility could make Scott more appealing for NFL teams.

"The great thing is in the NFL, there is a thing called flex position," Bielema said. "When you can play multiple positions, Xavier fits into that."

BIELEMA ENJOYING HIGHS AND LOWS OF RECRUITING

Bielema refuses to get caught up in the added recruiting attention since the Kansas victory.

He took the advice of former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney, who had a sign in his office that read:

"Recruiting is like shaving. You miss a day, you look like [crap]," Bielema said Thursday. "I've taken that now today. In today's social media world, it's a very up and down world." 

The Illini are 2-0 under Bielema for the first time. A win Saturday against Central Michigan means they enter undefeated for next week's Big Ten opener against Nebraska.

"What I think we've learned is to manage and ride the highs and minimize the lows," Bielema said. "But also, there's certain that are high priorities on our list, you kind of know when they're available,when to hit them." 

Bielema also said he is possibly paying more attention to players he missed out on in the past who may enter the transfer portal this winter. 

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

Follow our coverage on Facebook

X: @IlliniNowOnSI