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via Imago

via Imago

Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has made a name for himself on the football field, proving that talent runs deep in the Sanders family. Shilo started playing football at a tender age at Trinity Christian School, Cedar Hill, Texas. This private school proved instrumental in Shilo’s formative process in football. Coached by his father, Shilo was a star during high school; he played the cornerback and wide receiver positions and kicked and even punted in the few games his team played. By his last year, Shilo propelled Trinity Christian to a perfect unbeaten season of 14 and 0 and a TAPPS Division II title in 2018. Shilo once said, “Having my dad as a coach wasn’t easy, but it made me better. He pushed me to be the best I could be.”

Shilo Sanders has been able to balance his football career and education. Shilo obtained his education at Trinity Christian School in Texas, where he was both an academic and an athletic achiever, and at the University of South Carolina. He made the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll in 2019 to show his dedication to his studies there. His academic advancement was pursued at Jackson State University; not only did he achieve marvelous achievements in football, but his academic goals were also achieved under the supervision of his father, Deion Sanders. Academics has been a priority throughout Shilo’s career, which goes well with athletics.

College football journey: South Carolina and Jackson State

Following his final year of high school, Shilo Sanders signed with the University of South Carolina to enhance his work as a defensive back. He spent two years with the Gamecocks and played 13 games, making 32 tackles, 23 of them individual. It is, therefore, not a surprise that the young gun could work hard on the field and in the classroom to merit a place in the 2019 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

However, the call of family duty forced Shilo to transfer to Jackson State University because his father, Deion Sanders, was the coach there. Shilo was at Jackson State for two seasons and featured in 20 games, starting in 15 of them. He was productive for Jackson State and, among his accomplishments, achieved second-team All-SWAC in 2021. That year, he made 39 tackles and equaled the scores of four other players for the interception rating, placing him second in the conference. This was evident when he played against Florida A&M and put in his best display by making a season-high seven tackles.

A new challenge at Colorado

In 2023, Shilo joined the University of Colorado, thus playing alongside his father and brother, Shedeur Sanders. Colorado was Shilo’s next destination, where he was instrumental in the Buffaloes’ defense system without any delay. He started all 11 games he played in the 2023 season, being only a substitute in one game due to injury. Shilo propelled himself to second-team All-Pac 12 by The Associated Press and the Bay Area News Group.

Shilo Sanders’ controversial (he has been embroiled in a $11.8 million lawsuit for alleged assault and battery) journey from high school football at Trinity Christian to becoming a defensive leader at Colorado is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the strong influence of his father. As he continues to excel in the field, Shilo is forging his path and building a legacy beyond his famous last name.