NIL Opportunities

2023 Freshman

• Played in two games and redshirted the season
• Made Illini debut in a win at Maryland (10/14/23) 

High School 

• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #57 (247), #71 (On3), #105 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #99 (247), #105 (On3), #133 (ESPN)
• Played for his father and head coach Aaron Sheppard at Ocoee High School
• Led the region in sacks
• All-metro first team
• Offers included Arkansas, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia

Personal

• Born on June 17, 2005
• Son of Aaron and Amanda Sheppard
• One brother, Micah, and two sisters, Autumn, and Aria
• Chose Illinois because, “Because the coaching staff makes me feel at home and Illinois also has one of the best animal science programs in the country.”
• Plans on majoring in animal science