Bennett Named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week For Second Time

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia senior Chico Bennett Jr. was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week on Monday (Oct. 24). Bennett also won the award back on Sept. 23 for his performance against Syracuse.

A Georgia Tech transfer, Bennett had a huge day in his homecoming on the Flats to help lead a stellar defensive effort to give the Cavaliers their first win vs. the Yellow Jackets since 2008. Bennett had a career-high seven tackles and recorded his second multi-sack effort of the season. His six total sacks on the season lead all ACC pass rushers. The Cavaliers notched eight sacks in the 16-9 victory, tied for the second most in a game in program history.

Bennett is the ninth Cavalier defensive lineman to win the award twice in the same season. The list includes: Mandy Alonso (2021), Matt Conrath (2011), Nate Collins (2009), Chris Long (2007), Patrick Kerney (1998), Mark Kirchbaum (1993), Chris Slade (1991) and Ron Mattes (3x in 1984).

ACC Players of the Week (Oct. 24)
QB – Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
RB – Will Shipley, Clemson
WR – Colbie Young, Miami
OL – Jordan McFadden, Clemson
DL – Chico Bennett, Virginia 
LB – Yasir Abdullah, Louisville
DB – Brandon Johnson, Duke
Specialist – Todd Pelino, Duke
Rookie – Chandler Rivers, Duke

2022 Virginia ACC Player of the Week Honors
Sept. 16 – Brendan Farrell (Specialist)
Sept. 23 – Chico Bennett (Defensive Line)
Oct. 24 – Chico Bennett (Defensive Line)