Miles Scott

Miles Scott grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago with his parents (Gerald and Arnita Scott). With two older brothers who played football, he followed in their footsteps, starting at age 5 for the South Holland Jets. He grew up with NFL dreams and continued playing at St. Laurence High School as a wide receiver. With his senior season in jeopardy because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he transferred to St. Thomas More, a boarding school in Oakdale, Conn., so he could stay on the field. A three-star recruit, Scott received mostly FCS attention (including a few offers), but he jumped at a preferred walk-on opportunity from Illinois. He played wide receiver during his first two years on campus before transitioning to defensive back during spring practices in 2023 (when he was also put on scholarship). He became a starting safety that fall and started a combined 38 games over his final three seasons. Scott is a good-sized athlete for the position, with the tracking and ball skills of a former wideout. A two-time captain, he wore the green dot for the Illini, and his experience as a route runner helps him sort, key and drive on throws in coverage. He is a fluid mover in space to turn and run with receivers or tight ends, although his ordinary speed does show at times. He made substantial improvements in his run-game angles and tackling technique in 2025. Overall, Scott has only adequate range for the position, but he processes well, with burst and ball skills to impact plays. A wide receiver most of his life, he has yet to hit his ceiling as a defensive back.