CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Jackson Gilbert learned what it takes to thrive the Division One level after a challenging freshman season, now ranking top 50 nationally in the 400 meters in 46.64 seconds as a sophomore.

“This is a whole different atmosphere here, this ain’t high school,” Gilbert said.

“I’m not the best coming into every meet no more, I’m in the middle, I’m near the bottom.”

“I have to work harder. I have to just change my mental.”

Repping the Illini means more for the Urbana native every time he sports the Block I.

“I bleed Orange and Blue till I die, I love this town.”

“I love the University of Illinois, and it just means a lot, and I really want to put on something special for them.”

“I remember telling him, look, Jackson, when you put on the I, it represents something different,” Illinois sprints coach Javonie Small said.

“This is your home, Champaign-Urbana. That’s you. You are Mr. Champaign-Urbana.”

A big focus for Gilbert to perform his best has been taking care of his body.

“It always starts the day before and two days before, A week before,” Gilbert said.

“You start with the hydration, you start with stretching and doing all the stuff before practice.”

You got to come to practice early, stay at practice late, do the little things to make sure you’re healthy and make sure you recover in the right way because if you go to every week tired, you won’t be able to perform in practice.”

The sprinter hopes to help the Illini to a top finish at the Big Ten indoor championships this weekend.