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2022 3-star defensive back announces commitment to Illinois

Derek Peterson

By Derek Peterson

Published:

With the early signing period fast approaching, programs are starting to put finishing touches on recruiting classes. For teams whose seasons ended this past Saturday, it’s time to hit the trail hard.

The Fighting Illini appear to be in good shape on that front. On Tuesday, Illinois earned its 19th known commitment for the 2022 class. Elijah Mc-Cantos, a 3-star cornerback prospect from Miami, Florida, announced on Twitter that he’ll be coming to Champaign to join coach Bret Bielema’s defense.

Mc-Cantos is the 74th-ranked prospect at his position for the class and the 789th prospect overall, per the 247Sports Composite. He’s the highest-rated defender in the Illini class, though, and the second player from Florida to commit to head north.

At 6-foot, 170 pounds, Mc-Cantos was a 4-sport star at Miami Edison. He wrestled as a freshman and participated in varsity basketball and track. He was a regional qualifier in the long jump as a high school junior. He took his official visit to Illinois on Oct. 2 and held double-digit offers from Power 5 programs, including Michigan and Penn State in the Big Ten.

With the commitment, the Illinois class moves to No. 45 nationally. The program hasn’t recruited a top-50 class since the 2017 cycle.

You can view Mc-Cantos’ highlight tape below, via Hudl:

Derek Peterson

Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.