Illini Cornerbacks Went From Most to Least Penalized Defensive Backs in Just One Season

The addition of cornerbacks coach Corey Parker and a new set of leadership personnel in the Illini secondary led to a much more organized and disciplined positional group in 2024.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

March 12, 2025

CHAMPAIGN — Whatever buttons were pushed to make the Illinois secondary much less penalized in the 2024 season certainly was successful.

According to Pro Football Focus data, the three starting cornerbacks at Illinois (Tahveon Nicholson, Xavier Scott and Tyler Strain) were the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 10 most penalized players at their position in the Big Ten Conference in . . .

 

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