Sanker Garners Second Consecutive ACC Weekly Honor

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today (Oct. 14) that for the second consecutive week Virginia safety Jonas Sanker has been named the ACC’s Defensive Back of the Week. Sanker is the first UVA defensive player to garner back-to-back ACC weekly honors since Quin Blanding did so in 2017. 

A native of Charlottesville, Sanker led the Cavaliers with 11 tackles, including eight solo takedowns, in their 24-20 loss to Louisville this past Saturday (Oct. 12). Sanker’s 11-tackle effort marked his third of the season and sixth in his last 10 games dating back to last year. He also combined for a tackle for loss and added a pass break-up against the Cardinals. Sanker and the UVA defense held Louisville, the nation’s 13th-best passing offense (303 ypg), to season lows in both points scored (24) and passing yards (231). 

Through Virginia’s first six contests, Sanker is averaging 5.0 solo tackles per game and his 30 total solo tackles are second most by any ACC player and tied for 19th among all FBS players. 

The Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1) return to action Saturday (Oct. 19), when they travel to No. 10 Clemson (5-1, 4-0). Kickoff from Memorial Stadium is set for noon on ACC Network.

Week 7 Football Players of the Week
Quarterback of the Week – Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Running Back of the Week – Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech
Receiver of the Week – Jackson Meeks, Syracuse 
Offensive Lineman of the Week – Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech 
Defensive Lineman of the Week – Jimmy Scott, Pitt
Linebacker of the Week – Justin Barron, Syracuse
Defensive Back of the Week – Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Specialist of the Week – Ben Sauls, Pitt
Rookie of the Week – Isaac Brown, Louisville