Former University of Illinois offensive lineman Shawn Afryl, 22, passed away Monday. The Skokie, Illinois, native and Niles West High School graduate played in one game for the Fighting Illini during his three years on the team.

"All of us in the Fighting Illini football family are greatly saddened by Shawn's passing last night," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said. "He was a great teammate and a dedicated student. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Afryl redshirted the 2010 season and did not see action during 2011 before reaching the field against Charleston Southern in 2012. He graduated from Illinois with a degree in political science in August 2013. He was enrolled at Winona State University (MN) for fall 2014, where he planned on using his final season of football eligibility.

Funeral arrangements will be listed at fightingillini.com as soon as they are made available.

– fightingillini.com –