Williams, Jones, Turner Receive ACC Weekly Awards

UNC's 45-20 win over Duke also garnered three Tar Heels ACC weekly accolades with Marquise Williams being named Offensive Back of the Week for the fourth time, Landon Turner tapped as the Offensive Lineman of the Week and Nazair Jones earning Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

OFFENSIVE BACK – Marquise Williams, North Carolina, Jr., QB, 6-2, 220, Charlotte, N.C.

Williams accounted for four touchdowns and had 374 total yards of offense in UNC’s 45-20 win at No. 25 Duke.  Williams completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 276 yards and two touchdowns.  He also rushed 21 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns.  During the Duke game, Williams eclipsed the UNC single-season record for total offense and now has 3,499 total yards.  He also set the UNC single-season record for most touchdown responsibility with 32.

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OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Landon Turner, North Carolina, Jr., OG, 6-4, 315, Harrisonburg, Va.

Turner graded out at a career-best 96 percent and was UNC’s top performer in the win at No. 25 Duke.  He helped the Tar Heels rush for 315 yards, their highest total since 2012.  UNC had three players rush for 95 yards or more, including tailback T.J. Logan’s season-high 116 yards.  Turner posted 15 knockdown blocks and did not allow any sacks or any pressures on UNC’s quarterbacks.

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DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Nazair Jones, North Carolina, Fr., DT, 6-5, 280, Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Jones helped lead a defensive unit that played its best game of the season in UNC’s 45-20 win at No. 25 Duke.  Jones had 2.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble, batted down a pass and had a team-high six tackles.  He forced a first-quarter fumble which was scooped up by teammate Tim Scott and returned for a touchdown.  Jones and the Tar Heels held Duke to just 67 yards in the first half in building a 28-7 lead.

Needless to say a big reason why UNC has managed even a 6-5 mark despite a defense that has brushed next to historical futility is Marquise Williams. While these weekly awards don't carry much value, the overall statistical picture and Williams' impact on games should put him squarely in the discussion for First Team All-ACC and Offensive Player of the Year in the ACC.