Dawson DeGroot

Ht./Wt.:
6-1 / 215
Position:
LB
Hometown:
Fort Myers, Fla.
High School:
Fort Myers

Career Highs

Tackles: 11 at Michigan State, 11/9/19
Solos: 5 at Michigan State, 11/9/19
TFLs: 1.0 at Wisconsin, 10/20/18 Blocked Kick: 1, vs. Western Illinois, 9/8/19

2019 Junior

Played in 11 games, primarily on special teams
12 tackles on the season
Career-high 11 tackles at Michigan State 11/9/19 to help Illinois win 37-34 in the biggest comeback in program history

2018 Sophomore

Played 10 games, primarily on special teams
16 tackles, 1.0 TFL, one blocked kick on season
Career-high four tackles and first career TFL at Wisconsin 10/20/18
Blocked punt against WIU 9/8/18 that was recovered by Stanley Green for a touchdown
Academic All-Big Ten

2017 Freshman

Played in seven games with one start at safety
13 tackles on season
Made his Illinois debut against South Florida
First career start against Rutgers

High School

Three-star recruit by 247Sports
Ranked No. 98 athlete in the nation by 247Sports
Played for head coach Sam Sirianni Jr. at Ft. Myers
Lettered three years in high school
2016 Florida 6A all-state third team
Florida North vs. South All-Star Game
Rotary South All-Star, News Press Big 15, All-area
96 tackles, one interception and three fumble recoveries as a senior
Led Fort Myers to an 8-5 record and region finals as a senior
90 tackles, one sack, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) as a junior
Honor Roll

Personal

Born July 9, 1998
Son of Ken and Cindy DeGroot
Has one older brother, Dylan, and one younger sister, Cierra
Father played in the Minnesota Twins organization
Chose Illinois because, “it gives me the best opportunity to excel as a player and a person.”
Plans to start a career in car mechanics following his playing career
Majoring in management