“There’s always better relationships we can build on and off the field.”
That is the first thing strong safety Matthew Bailey said when asked what he can improve on following his 2024 season.
A season where he led the Fighting Illini in tackles, and forced three turnovers, all from the defensive backfield. The hybrid safety-linebacker is poised for another big season, surrounded by an All-Big Ten DB Xavier Scott and his safety compadre Miles Scott.
The three returners have lofty expectations coming
into this season, and with those comes a level of dedication to the craft that can’t be matched by most.
“We are preparing for every moment,” Bailey said. “And that is going to be at every practice, every game, every meeting and every moment we are going to be the best us.”
The trio also brings a lot of experience to the field for the Illini, something they will take advantage of.
“Being thrown into the fire early, it gives you a level of urgency,” Bailey said. “Understanding the level of talent that is in the Big Ten, and understanding where you have to be to compete at that level is instrumental.”
There is also a couple of guys at the next level that Bailey likes to keep his eye on. The Illini have Kerby Joseph, Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin and Sydney Brown all playing in the NFL, and playing well, with three of the four playing in the 2025 playoffs.
Bailey looked to learn as much as possible from the three that were his teammates back in 2022, and it has paid off dividends.
“How to practice was the biggest thing I learned. I am really thankful that our class [Xavier Scott and Miles Scott], we were able to come into that group of players. They were basically NFL guys at this level,” Bailey said. “Being able to practice with them and go throughout the day with them and be able to see how they conduct themselves on and off the field, it gives you a baseline of what you have to be able to do to go to the next level.”
Flash forward three years later and Bailey is in the NFLers same spot: A premiere DB on a top 25 football team, who is also turning heads of NFL scouts.
The Illini’s defense hinges on the DB’s success with questions at the D-Line and linebacker positions. And with one of the most experienced players on the team leading the charge, the Illini will look to make 2025 DB room look just like 2022 DB room.
