Illinois Football lands Standout Defensive Back Before Signing Day

Three-star Tanner Heckel signs with Illinois Football.

If playing high school football in a rural town in mid-America is a turnoff, remember that Kaden Feagen went from small school football in rural Illinois to a burgeoning young star for Illini football as a freshman. Feagin might not have played eight-man football at Arthur High School in Atwood, Illinois, but no one saw him breaking out as soon as he did. Lyndon High School star Tanner Heckel aims to do the same for the Illini this fall. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete projects as a defensive back but has some skills with the ball in his hand.

I am blessed and thankful to announce that I am 100% committed to the University of Illinois!! 🔵🟠 I-L-L 🟠🔵@BretBielema @AaronHenry7 #famILLy pic.twitter.com/9K9IZCk4P6

— Tanner Heckel (@TannerHeckel1) February 6, 2024

Heckel made a name for himself playing eight-man football, leading Lyndon High School to a state title. He played quarterback and defense last fall. The 8-man Kansas player of the year ran for over 2,000 yards and 50 touchdowns while throwing for over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Don’t let the Rating fool you; Illini Football didn’t.

Heckel is one “heck” of an athlete. He was an All-State basketball player and a track and field standout. Heckel won state in the long jump and triple jump and finished second in the 100-meter dash. He also finished third in the javelin—Illinois football benefits from having an athlete of his caliber on the roster.

“I’ve been talking with them since the end of football season for me, so basically the end of November,” Heckel told Illini Inquirer last month. “I just talked with them and had a coach come down and visit me and watch practice, and then they reached out about a visit, and so we set it up and got up there. On the trip, I met all the coaches and people on the football team. I saw all the facilities and drove around the campus. What stood out to me was the people.