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
—