Nick Hankins, a three-star cornerback from Belleville West, showcased his skills at Illinois' 7-on-7 camp, where he made significant plays, drawing attention with his bright orange gloves. Ranked as the No. 10 player in Illinois and No. 38 nationwide at his position, Hankins enjoys the process of narrowing down his college options, with Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Missouri in the mix. The local proximity to Illinois is appealing, but not his main factor for choosing a school; rather, he values development and a familial atmosphere.

With Bret Bielema at the helm, the Illinois program can highlight its success in developing players like Devon Witherspoon, a recent top-five NFL draft pick. Hankins appreciates the coaching staff and the positive environment around the team, and has enjoyed the recruiting journey with his father. He plans to focus on cornerback but is open to playing various positions. Meanwhile, Jeff George Jr., a former Illini quarterback, returned as a coach, eager to guide future talents, reflecting on his own experiences and encouraging players from Warren Central High School to consider Illinois.

Devon Witherspoon, the Seattle Seahawks cornerback drafted 5th overall, has solidified his status as a top-tier defender in the NFL. Following two consecutive Pro Bowl selections, Witherspoon enters the 2025 season boasting an impressive record, including 98 tackles in his sophomore year under a new defensive scheme. His versatility and impact make him arguably the most critical player for the Seahawks.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked Witherspoon as the 12th best cornerback in the league, underscoring his elite performance. His play style combines physicality and intelligence, making him a formidable opponent for receivers. As he develops further, fantasy managers and analysts alike are keen to see how this rising star will influence the Seahawks' defense and overall gameplay.

Pro Football Focus has highlighted Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon as one of the top NFL players under 25. He has established himself as a standout performer, showcasing elite defensive skills that have garnered significant recognition. In addition to Witherspoon, two fellow Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III, were noted for narrowly missing the list. Walker, despite his underrated status, continues to impress as a running back, while Smith-Njigba's potential as a wide receiver remains high, suggesting a bright future for this trio in Seattle.

Creativity shines in the NFL schedule announcements, and the Seattle Seahawks showcased theirs through a unique commercial styled like a vintage action figure ad. The star of the show was none other than Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon, bringing a nostalgic charm to the unveiling.

For those curious about the behind-the-scenes action, Seattle provided an insider's look featuring Witherspoon, making it a delightful watch for fans. Additionally, a fun fact emerged about the Tennessee Titans' mascot, which many learned for the first time to be a raccoon.

Shamari Simmons, the standout cornerback from Arizona State, has made waves during the Seahawks’ Rookie Minicamp, despite his unimpressive athletic testing at the Big 12 Pro Day. The two-time Defensive MVP at Arizona State recorded substantial stats, including 153 tackles and 12 passes defended across 26 games. His tenacity mirrors that of former Seahawk Mike Jackson, showcasing elite run support skills. While he faces challenges in coverage, his ability to play near the line could provide valuable depth behind speedster Devon Witherspoon.

Despite being overlooked due to his physical measurements, Simmons has a history of rising through adversity, having previously contributed at Hutchinson CC and Austin Peay. His pivotal role in leading ASU to its first-ever College Football Playoff berth, even after a suspension, highlights his determination. As training camp approaches, his performance could redefine expectations for underestimated prospects.