Pronunciation: EYE-oh shog-BAHN-yo

Career Highs

Tackles: 6 vs. Rutgers, 10/15/17
Solos: 3 vs. Rutgers, 10/15/17
TFLs: 3 vs Nebraska, 9/21/19
Sacks: 1.0, twice (last vs Nebraska, 9/21/19)
QB Hurries: 1 at Minnesota, 10/21/17
Fumbles Forced: 1, twice (last vs Nebraska, 9/21/19)
PBUs: 1 at Minnesota, 10/21/17

2018 Sophomore

• Played in eight games at defensive end
• Former linebacker moved to defensive line
• Six tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1.0 sack and one QB hurry on season
• First career sack against Purdue 10/13/18
• Missed four games with injuries

2017 Redshirt Freshman

• Played in all 12 games with one start at linebacker
• 16 tackles (7 solo), 1.0 TFL, one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble on the season
• Second on the team in special teams tackles (4)
• Voted a team captain by his teammates for the Purdue game
• Made his Illinois debut in the opener against Ball State
• First career start at Minnesota

2016 Freshman

• Member of UI squad

High School

• 2015 APSE 5A All-State second-team offense (OL) and honorable mention defense (LB)
• District 14-5A first-team All-District defense (LB) & offense (OL)
• High School coach was Travis Pride
• Also played soccer, ran track (sprints) and powerlifted in high school

Personal

• Born March 24, 1998
• Full name is Michael Ayo Shogbonyo
• Son of Ade and Naomi Shogbonyo
• Has two younger brothers, Nicholas and Azeez
• Cousin, Micah Awe, played LB at Texas Tech from 2012-15
• Lists Drew Brees as his favorite athletes because “he’s an undersized athlete and still one of the best in the game”
• Honor roll student in high school
• Majoring in communication