Tar Heels linebacker Rashad receives ACC weekly honor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Shakeel Rashad was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Linebacker of the Week as announced by the league on Monday.

Rashad forced a fumble, intercepted a pass, broke up another and had two tackles – including a 10-yard tackle for loss – in North Carolina’s 53-14 win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday.

Rashad forced a fumble that was picked up by teammate Sam Smiley and returned 52 yards to set up a UNC touchdown.

On the subsequent NC A&T possession, Rashad picked off a pass to stop a promising Aggies’ drive.

According to Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora, Rashad has made a successful transition to the linebacker position from being a lineman previously.

“First of all, Shakeel’s done a tremendous job of preparing himself,” Fedora said when asked during his weekly press conference on Monday.

“He went from a 255 or 258‐pounder to a 230‐something pounder from the spring till now. He trained like a linebacker and got himself in great physical condition. Shak’s very bright; he’s very, very intelligent. He understands every aspect of it and we actually moved him in positions last week at linebacker. For him to learn it all in a week and what he needed to do, and he goes out there and plays really well. He’s one of the leaders on our team this year.”


ACC Players of the Week – ACC Digital Network – TheACC.com