Sanker Named ACC Defensive Back of the Week

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today (Oct. 7) that Virginia safety Jonas Sanker has been named the ACC’s Defensive Back of the Week. 

A native of Charlottesville, Sanker is the first UVA defensive back to earn the weekly honor since 2019. He is also the second Cavalier this season to garner ACC weekly recognition, joining Noah Josey, who was tabbed the ACC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week on Sept. 23 following UVA’s road win over Coastal Carolina. 

Sanker played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ 24-14 comeback win over Boston College on Saturday (Oct. 5). In addition to helping the UVA defense shut out the Eagles for the final 43:07 of game time, Sanker made six tackles, including four solo, and had a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown – the first touchdown of his career – in the fourth quarter. Sanker’s touchdown, which effectively put the game out of reach for BC, was UVA’s first fumble recovery for a touchdown since Eli Hanback secured a fumble in the end zone to seal its 2019 victory over Virginia Tech. 

Sanker and the Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0) return to action Saturday (Oct. 12) when they host Louisville (3-2, 1-1), which received votes in this week’s AP top-25 poll. Kickoff from Scott Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network.  TICKETS

Week 6 Football Players of the Week
Quarterback of the Week – Cam Ward, Miami 
Running Back of the Week – LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
Receiver of the Week – Desmond Reid, Pitt
Offensive Lineman of the Week – Marcus Tate, Clemson
Defensive Lineman of the Week – Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Linebacker of the Week – Kyle Louis, Pitt
Defensive Back of the Week – Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Specialist of the Week – Nolan Hauser, Clemson
Rookie of the Week – Eli Holstein, Pitt