It is a shame they could only name one Tar Heel for this award since E.J. Wilson had a nearly identical stat line save the Ryan Williams fumble which was forced by Tydreke Powell:
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Tydreke Powell, North Carolina, DT, So., 6-3, 300, Ahoskie, N.C. (Hertford County)
North Carolina sophomore defensive tackle Tydreke Powell forced a key fourth-quarter fumble, broke up a pass, and added three tackles, including one sack, in a 20-17 win at 14th-ranked (AP) Virginia Tech. With just over two minutes remaining in the game, Powell forced a Hokie fumble which was recovered by the Tar Heels and eventually led to Casey Barth’s game-winning 21-yard field goal. Powell also had a nine-yard sack on Virginia Tech’s final possession of the first half, pushing the Hokies out of field goal range.
Two things to note:
1. Powell is only a sophomore. In fact a lot of the Heels on defense are only sophomores with a few juniors and a pair of seniors. If no one jumps to the NFL early, heaven help the offenses of the ACC next season.
2. Powell is a North Carolina product. In-state recruiting is important and having in-state players highlighted only helps that endeavor.