Pronunciation: fuh-BREE-ZEE-oh

2024 Junior

• Played in two regular-season games
• Punted for the first time in his collegiate career in wins vs. Michigan State (11/16/24) and at Rutgers (11/23/24)

2023 Sophomore

• Reserve punter and kicker
• Did not play in a game

2022 Redshirt Freshman

• Started four games at kicker
• 7-for-7 on field goals on the season
• 4-for-4 on field goals against Minnesota 10/15/22
• 3-for-3 on field goals, scoring all nine points, in Illinois’ 9-6 victory over Iowa 10/8/22, earning Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week and Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors
• Career-long 37-yard field goal against Iowa 10/8/22
• Made Illini debut with two kickoffs in win at Wisconsin 10/1/22

High School

• Played for head coach Jim Rapp at The Woodlands
• Three-year letterwinner
• Two-time All-County Special Teams MVP
• Two-time all-district, all-conference, all-region, and all-area first team
• 2019-20 all-state second team
• Three-time 6A All District Athletics Academy Award
• Two-time Houston area UIL Special Teams Player of the Year
• The Woodlands record holder for career field goals and second in history in career extra points
• Three-time USA National Team (International Bowl) starter as a kicker and punter
• All-district academic team
• Also played basketball in high school

Personal

• Born November 29, 2001
• Son of Dino and Martha Pinton
• One sister, Bella
• Sister, Bella, played volleyball at the University of Chicago
• Chose Illinois to, “pursue my dream of playing Big Ten football and to major in public policy and law."
• Plans to work as a consultant or directly with major automotive companies following his playing career
• Majoring in public policy and law