Sanker named ACC DB of the week for fourth time this season

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Posted on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, 5:40 pm

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Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Photo: UVA Athletics

For the fourth time this season and second instance in back-to-back weeks, Virginia safety Jonas Sanker has been named Defensive Back of the Week by the Atlantic Coast Conference, the league office announced Monday.  

Sanker is now the only defensive player in program history to earn an ACC weekly award four times in a single season. In addition to being honored last week, Sanker earned back-to-back weekly accolades on Oct. 7 and 14 following his performances against Boston College and Louisville, respectively. 

Sanker recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including eight solo efforts, a sack and two tackles for loss at then-No. 8 Notre Dame on Saturday. For the second-straight week, he had a hand in a turnover after he recovered a fumble on special teams.

The fumble recovery was his second of the season, which is currently tied for second-most among all ACC players. Sanker’s 13 tackles are also the most by a defensive back in a single game against the Fighting Irish this season. 

Photo: UVA Athletics

The Charlottesville native leads the Cavaliers with double-digit tackles in four games this season, and has 11 for his career. Sanker leads the ACC and is currently eighth in FBS in solo tackles per game (5.5), while his total tackles per game average (8.2) is good for seventh in the conference. 

Up next, Sanker and the Cavaliers (5-5, 3-3) return to action Saturday, when they host No. 13 SMU (9-1, 6-0) for Senior Day and Heroes Appreciation Day. Kickoff from Scott Stadium is set for noon on ESPN2.

The Mustangs are the only undefeated team in ACC play this season and UVA’s third straight ranked opponent. 

WEEK 12 ACC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Quarterback of the Week – Ashton Daniels, Stanford
Running Back of the Week – Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Receiver of the Week – Emmett Mosley V, Stanford
Offensive Lineman of the Week – Savion Washington, Syracuse
Defensive Lineman of the Week – T.J. Parker, Clemson
Linebacker of the Week – Kobe Wilson, SMU
Defensive Back of the Week – Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Specialist of the Week – Emmet Kenney, Stanford
Rookie of the Week – Emmett Mosley V, Stanford