2026 Sleeper Defensive Backs to Know in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Illinois' 2026 class continues to produce under-the-radar defensive backs with legitimate developmental upside. This group brings a blend of competitiveness, length, and football intelligence that could lead to meaningful recruiting traction over the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2061792' first='Jakub' last='Maka'] | Lemont | DB | 5'9” 161</strong><br>Maka is a compact, competitive defensive back who plays bigger than his frame. He shows quick feet in coverage, good short-area burst, and strong instincts in space. His willingness to support the run and challenge routes underneath makes him an ideal slot-type defender with upside as he adds strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deegan Prater | Dupo | DB | 6'1” 190</strong><br>Prater brings ideal size and physicality to the defensive back position. He plays with confidence on the back end, takes efficient angles, and shows awareness in zone coverage. With continued refinement in man technique, he projects as a dependable, versatile secondary piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605601' first='Colton' last='Benaitis'] | Lockport Township | DB | 6'1” 190</strong><br>Benaitis has a college-ready frame and shows natural ball skills in coverage. He stays composed at the catch point and uses his length effectively to disrupt passing lanes. His physical tools give him positional versatility across the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801706' first='Ahmad' last='Buchanan'] | Richards | DB | 6'0” 190</strong><br>Buchanan is a physical, downhill defensive back who plays with urgency. He's comfortable triggering against the run and competing through contact. Continued growth in coverage consistency will raise his overall ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolan Morrill | Lincoln-Way Central | DB | 5'10” 160</strong><br>Morrill is a high-motor defensive back with smooth footwork and solid man-coverage ability. He mirrors well and competes snap to snap. As he continues to develop physically, his instincts and technique give him long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abai Atabekov | Stevenson | DB | 6'1” 170</strong><br>Atabekov offers intriguing length and fluid movement skills. He stays in phase downfield and shows comfort playing in space. With added strength and continued varsity reps, he has the tools to emerge as a complete defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->