The ACC honored two Georgia Tech defensive players for their roles in the Yellow Jackets’ 31-27 win at Duke on Saturday. Safety Juanyeh Thomas and linebacker Ayinde Eley were named the ACC’s defensive back and linebacker of the week, respectively. The announcement was made Monday.
Eley made a game-high 13 tackles, a career high and tied for fifth most made by an ACC player in a game this season. Among the tackles was a second-quarter half-sack with defensive end Jordan Domineck that thwarted a Duke drive and led to a punt. He also had two hurries, one of which prevented a potential touchdown pass. Eley, a grad transfer from Maryland, is third in the ACC with 54 tackles.
Thomas also set a career high with 11 tackles, exceeding his previous best of 10, set last season at Syracuse. Thomas also made the game-sealing interception inside the final 20 seconds when Duke was driving for a game-winning touchdown. It was Thomas’ first interception of the season and fourth of his career.
It is the first time that either player has earned the recognition from the ACC.
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