Illini football quick hits | Training camp Day 2

Illinois training camp continued at Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. Defensive line coach Terrance Jamison and multiple defensive players were available to the media. Here's some of what they had to say, from beat writer Scott Richey:

'Endless pursuit'

While Illinois pulled three defensive linemen out of the transfer portal this offseason to bolster its depth, sophomore Alex Bray has received praise from Jamison and Illini coach Bret Bielema. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder out of Chesterfield, Mo., played in eight games last season and is likely in line for a bigger role this fall with Illinois mostly starting from scratch with its defensive front.

"Alex is very tough," Jamison said. "He was a wrestler, so he just has that toughness about him. From a skill set standpoint, he can help you in all downs and distances in terms of stopping the run and transitional rush. He's a work-a-holic. He runs to the ball. He always has that endless pursuit. He's a guy we enjoy watching, we love watching, because he puts the work in."

Difference a year makes

Miles Scott started training camp this week with a look back. Last year's camp film was informative. Mostly in how much Scott felt like he'd grown as a defensive back since being "horrible" a year ago. The 5-foot-11 safety had only been in the position a few months when last year's camp started. Now he's got a full season as a starter — where he had 63 tackles, two interceptions and two touchdowns — under his belt.

"Man, just be more patient," Scott said he's learned. "I feel like a lot of times I was out there panicking. I just wasn't trusting my abilities — especially after things may go wrong. I've still got to be able to come back and understand what my technique is, what my assignment is. Back to the basics. Now I'm at the point where I rely on everything I've learned and use that as my foundation."

Consistency is key

TeRah Edwards spent two seasons playing next to Johnny Newton on Illinois' defensive line after joining the Illini following two seasons at Northwestern. Spending every day with Newton was illuminating. Edwards had a front row seat to see how Newton made himself into an All-American in Champaign and, ultimately, a second-round draft pick of the Washington Commanders.

"It's building a routine," Edwards said. "For instance, you might do something one day or two days and then you fall off. For him, he was consistently doing what he needed to be doing and being himself. Every day, at this time, I expected to see Johnny in the weight room or the film room because he was consistent and built the habits. ... That's why I feel like he played at an elite level because he was just ultimately consistent and disciplined in his preparation every day."