Don’t Sleep on These 2028 Illinois Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class in Illinois continues to build depth on the defensive side of the ball, and while some names are already gaining early attention, there is a strong group of prospects flying under the radar. These are the types of players who bring size, physicality, and long-term upside, and could see their stock rise quickly as they gain more experience and continue to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are several under-the-radar defensive prospects to know in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2174827' first='Anthony' last='Joseph'] – DB, Glenbrook South (5'10”, 170)</strong><br>Joseph brings a solid build for the position with a balanced frame and room to continue developing. Defensive backs in this size range often take a jump as they gain confidence and reps in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974836' first='Keimarien' last='Wood'] – DB, Harlem (5'11”, 160)</strong><br>Wood has good length and a developing frame. As he continues to add strength, he has the tools to emerge as a consistent presence in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1530895' first='Donovan' last='Wells'] – DB, Benet (5'10”, 155)</strong><br>Wells is a developing defensive back with quickness and movement ability. With added strength and continued reps, he has the traits to rise within the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2115647' first='Rhys' last='Landsmann'] – LB, Bishop McNamara (6'1”, 210)</strong><br>Landsmann already has a strong linebacker build at 6'1”, 210 pounds. He projects well as a physical, downhill presence who can impact the run game and anchor a defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1682157' first='Chinedu' last='Madu'] – DL, St. Ignatius (6'3”, 270)</strong><br>Madu brings excellent size for an interior defensive lineman this early in his development. At 6'3”, 270 pounds, he has the frame to become a dominant presence in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2175087' first='Andrew' last='Tyszkiewicz'] – DL, Lemont (6'4”, 245)</strong><br>Tyszkiewicz stands out with his length and frame. At 6'4”, he has the physical tools that translate well to the next level, and as he continues to add strength, his upside continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group is a strong reminder that some of the best long-term prospects are still developing early in their high school careers. As these players continue to build physically and gain varsity experience, expect several of these names to emerge as major risers in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->