Santino Bernabei brings Illinois-made size, ball skills, and a defensive back pedigree
Freshman DB Santino Bernabei enters Illinois State at 6-1, 185 with a strong high-school resume built on production and leadership: as a senior at Maine South in the 2025 season, he was a team captain, logged 40 tackles, three interceptions, and double-digit pass breakups, and earned all-conference honors. What makes him intriguing is the combo of length, instincts, and versatility—he also played wide receiver in playoff games, which usually shows up as better ball tracking and competitive confidence. He looks like a developmental fit with upside if he translates his playmaking to the college level.
