DB Hylton commits to Illinois

The focus that second-year Illinois coach Tim Beckman is putting on keeping talent in-state is paying off.

Lincoln-Way North rising senior defensive back Julian Hylton committed to the Illini on Tuesday. Less than a week ago, the Illini added a commitment from Mount Carmel running back Matt Domer.

Hylton picked up an offer from Illinois after going to camp at Champaign in late June and turning in a good performance. The 6-1, 180-pounder also had offers from North Dakota, South Dakota, Army and Illinois State, among others.

“You have to like a kid who came to camp, was evaluated by the coaches and earned an offer,” FOXSports NEXT national analyst Allen Trieu said.

After earning the offer, it only took Hylton a few weeks to commit.

“Coach Beckman wants to recruit Illinois talent, and I like the fact that he wants to keep it in-state and he understands that we have a special bond with the student body and everyone in the state of Illinois because it’s our state,” Hylton said.”

“Julian has a coveted asset for defensive backs, and that’s length,” Trieu said. “His long arms and height allow him to potentially match up on bigger receivers, and he’s a good athlete, having played several different positions. I think he’ll just have to learn how to play corner, but the prerequisite physical tools are there.”

Hylton joins Domer, Neuqua Valley wide receiver Mike Dudek and Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Nick Allegretti as area prospects who have committed to Illinois.