Mack Hollins Named ACC Receiver of the Week

For a third straight week, UNC has had an offensive player win one of the league accolades and for the second straight week a receiver was recognized. Former walk-on Mack Hollins, who at some point, we will stop referring to as a former walk-on, pulled in two huge touchdown passes from Marquise Williams to earn his first receiver of the week honor.

RECEIVER – Mack Hollins, North Carolina, So., WR, 6-3, 200, Rockville, Md.

Hollins did a bit of everything in UNC’s 28-27 win over Virginia. He had a 57-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter and a 63-yard scoring catch in the second quarter to finish with a career-high 120 yards receiving.  Hollins also recovered an onside kick by Nick Weiler with just over four minutes to play, moments after UNC had taken its first lead of the game.  In addition, Hollins twice downed UNC punts inside the Virginia 2-yard line.

As noted, Hollins' play on special teams was incredibly important. The sophomore was in position to twice down Thomas Hibbard punts at the Virginia 1 and 2 yard line. He also recovered the ballsy onside kick called by Larry Fedora which gave UNC a chance to salt the game away.

For the season, Hollins has put up some fairly impressive numbers and should garner some All-ACC voting attention. Through eight games, Hollins leads all receivers with seven touchdowns. He has 555 yards receiving which if fifth in the ACC and 21.3 yards per reception, good enough for third. Hollins has benefited greatly from big plays with three of his touchdowns this season coming on passes of 50 yards or more.