Virginia Tech sophomore cornerback Jayron Hosley and Miami senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson headline a list of six players recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Players of the Week, announced Monday by the ACC.
Hosley, also this week’s Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, accounted for all of the Hokies’ three interceptions, including one in the end zone and one on NC State’s final drive as Virginia Tech came back from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Wolfpack, 41-30. Hankerson caught seven passes for a career-high 147 yards and three touchdowns, which all came in the first half, as Miami topped Clemson, 30-21. He is the first Hurricane to have three touchdown receptions in a game since 1998 and is now tied for sixth in program history with 15 career scores.
Hankerson is joined by teammate Marcus Forston, the defensive lineman selection. Florida State also had two honorees as center Ryan McMahon was named offensive lineman of the week, and outside linebacker Christian Jones was tabbed rookie of the week. Georgia Tech placekicker Scott Blair was recognized as specialist of the week.
OFFENSIVE BACK – Leonard Hankerson, Miami, WR, Sr., 6-3, 205, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas). Hankerson had a career day for the Hurricanes against Clemson, hauling in seven receptions for a career-high 147 yards. With a 22-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, he extended his streak to 17-straight games with a reception. Hankerson hauled in three touchdown catches in the first half – a seven-yard strike, a 22-yarder and a career-long 65-yard TD in the second quarter. It was Hankerson’s second career multi-touchdown game. Hankerson also moved into a tie for sixth place all-time in career touchdown receptions. He now has 15 career touchdown receptions tying Brian Blades (1984-87). Hankerson’s three-receiving touchdowns in the first half marked the first time since 1998 that a ‘Cane has had three touchdown receptions in a game. Santana Moss had three against Rutgers on Oct. 3, 1998.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Ryan McMahon, Florida State, C, r-Sr., 6-5, 284, Savannah, Ga. (Darlington Prep)McMahon graded out as the Seminoles’ top lineman with his second consecutive outstanding performance. He matched his season-high grade of 87 percent for the second consecutive week in his team-leading 44th consecutive start at center. In 71 snaps he had just one missed assignment and made the blocking calls for the offensive line as the ‘Noles amassed 428 total yards against the Cavaliers, including 256 on the ground. It was the third consecutive 200+-yard rushing performance for FSU; a feat the team last accomplished during the 2000 season. McMahon earned a pass blocking grade of 97 – a season-best – and a run game grade of 79 as the Seminoles averaged 6.0 yards per play against the Cavaliers.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Marcus Forston, Miami, DL, So., 6-3, 305, Miami, Fla. (Northwestern)Forston registered three tackles, a half sack, a tackle for a loss and one interception in Miami’s win at Clemson. He also had a quarterback hurry. His first career interception led Miami to its go-ahead touchdown to make the score 20-14. Forston also helped lead a Hurricane defense that limited Clemson to just seven points in the second half.
DEFENSIVE BACK – Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech, CB, So., 5-11, 170, Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic). Hosley was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week after his big performance against NC State. He played all 82 snaps, recording six tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups. One interception came in the end zone at the end of the first half and another sealed the win on NC State’s last drive.
SPECIALIST – Scott Blair, Georgia Tech, K, Sr., 6-0, 172, Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun). Blair kicked three field goals longer than 40 yards, including a critical 42-yarder in the fourth quarter, in Georgia Tech’s win over Wake Forest. Blair, who also kicked his 56th consecutive PAT, improved to 7-of-7 on field goals this season and moved up to eighth on Tech’s all-time career scoring list (193 points).
ROOKIE – Christian Jones, Florida State, LB, Fr., 6-3, 225, Winter Park, Fla. (Lake Howell). Filling in for starter Mister Alexander, who went down with a second quarter injury, Jones registered a team-high six tackles. Among those stops was his second career sack from the strongside linebacker position and his first career pass break-up. The rangy true freshman helped hold the Cavaliers to a season-low 25 rushing yards on 26 carries as FSU improved on its ACC-leading run defense (74.8 ypg) and its nation-leading sack total (25/5.0 pg).
Share
Contributors
