New Southern Illinois defensive lineman Ibrahim “Abe” Sanogo has 18 career sacks in stops at D-II California University of Pennsylvania and FCS Albany. (Photo by UAlbany)
Editor’s note: This is the second of a four-part series.
By Barry Bottino
Ibrahim “Abe” Sanogo had never been to Carbondale before a recruiting visit in the spring.
The transfer defensive end, however, was greeted by two familiar faces at Southern Illinois.
Second-year SIU defensive ends coach Darius Davis recruited Sanogo during a previous job at Robert Morris University. First-year defensive tackles coach Jake Kulig recruited Sanogo to FCS University at Albany, where he played 16 games the past two seasons.
But Kulig left for another job before coaching Sanogo.
“It all went full circle,” Sanogo said of his decision to choose SIU. “Now he can coach me.”
Sanogo, who has 18 career sacks in four college seasons, is one of four Fresh Faces this season for SIU as chosen by Prairie State Pigskin. The Fresh Faces are new additions or young players that are stepping into key roles this season.
As a late arrival via the portal, Sanogo has quickly tried to integrate himself into the program.
“I’ve been in college for a little while, so I’m just being me,” said Sanogo, who spent two years at D-II California University of Pennsylvania before two seasons at Albany. “I’m an outgoing person. I’m very excitable and very energetic. A lot of people like to be around me. There’s no fake in me.”
The 6-foot-2, 244-pound Sanogo was a necessary addition for a team that had only 18 sacks last season, which tied for the second-lowest total in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
“I’ve got passion when I’m out on that football field,” he said. “I’m physical, dominant, determined. I feel that passion because I’m doing this for a lot of people.”
Sanogo said he is also playing with a talented group of linemen at SIU.
“We’re very versatile,” he said. “It’s probably the most versatile group that I’ve ever been a part of. Inside and outside, we’ve got a lot of guys who can play – from the starters to the third string.”
SIU defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske called Sanogo “a big piece” of the line, which is seeking to improve a run defense that allowed nearly 195 yards a game last season.
“He adds a lot of experience and a lot of leadership,” Pronschinske said. “He’s been part of successful teams. We knew what we were going to get.”
Here are three other Fresh Faces who will take on bigger roles for Southern this fall.
DEFENSE
Cameron Cason, CB
In his first career college game as a true freshman, Cason intercepted a pass and returned it 36 yards. From there, he played 11 more games for the Salukis, collecting 14 tackles.
“There’s a quiet confidence about him that you really enjoy at that position,” Pronschinske said. “He’s sure in what he’s doing assignment-wise and in his communication.”
A former high school track and soccer athlete, Cason earned a spot in the SIU defensive backfield rotation thanks to his skills. With All-American cornerback Jeremiah McClendon off to the Cleveland Browns, SIU will rely more heavily on Cason.
“When you look at freshmen playing on defense, corner is usually that position where you’re able to play early because of your athleticism,” Pronschinske said. “Cam showed that physically he could do it.”
OFFENSE
Markell Quick, WR
During previous stops at North Carolina Central and Chattanooga, Quick was an impactful part of the offense.
He earned second-team all-conference in 2024 at N.C. Central, catching five touchdowns among 26 receptions and leading the team in receiving yards (527).
Last season at Chattanooga, the 5-10, 167-pound Quick piled up 37 catches, 686 yards and four touchdowns.
“I’m a deep threat, and I’m able to separate in my routes,” said Quick, who explained that he doesn’t have a preferred position. “Wherever the coaches want me, I’ll play there.”
Jacob Katauskas, OL
As a redshirt freshman last fall, the Lemont High School graduate played nine games and started at left guard late in the season against Youngstown State.
The 6-4, 310-pound redshirt sophomore, who began his college career at FBS Coastal Carolina, had an impressive fall camp. “He’s doing a great job,” SIU left tackle Blaine Halley said. “Jacob can play any position on the line.”
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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