Video Interview with Illini Commit and Top 2026 DB Nick Hankins

Scott Burgess August 31, 2025 @ 09:00 AM

Friday night Prep Redzone Illinois was at Belleville West vs Mascoutah. The marquee player was Belleville West corner Nick Hankins Nick Hankins 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Belleville West | 2026 State IL . Hankins who is the top defensive back in the senior class and is a big part of the Illini in-state haul on the recruiting trail. In the opener he would do damage on both sides of the ball ala Travis Hunter. As a corner he showed locked down ability with his fluidity and smooth coverage skills staying right with receivers all night with nothing really thrown at him. Came in and made a few tackles against the run. Love his upside as a long and rangy corner that should shine down the line in the Big 10 for the Illini. On the offensive side he had the two most explosive plays of the night. First was a 80 yard swing pass when he was lined up at running back that he took down the sideline beating a pair of defenders that had the angle, but he blew past them with his speed. Another one he took 71 yards up the middle to the house showing that lighting acceleration. Two scores and over a 150 yards of offense just like that. His ability on the offensive side just shows the kind of athlete he is.