Jeffrey Fitzgerald Named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week

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Virginia defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week for his play in the Cavaliers’ 28-23 win over ACC Coastal Division foe Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Fitzgerald had a tremendous overall performance as the defense held the ACC’s leading rushing offense to 121 yards on the ground, just over half its average coming into the game. The sophomore from Richmond, Va., made five tackles, including three for loss and a sack that caused the quarterback to fumble.

Perhaps Fitzgerald’s biggest play occurred late in the first quarter when he intercepted a batted ball and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to give his team a 21-7 lead. The interception was the fourth of his career, the most of any player on the team. The touchdown was the second of his career.

Virginia (3-1 overall, 3-0 ACC) goes out of conference this week to play Pittsburgh at home on Saturday. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. and is being televised nationally on ESPNU.