Gnonkonde Named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week

Junior Gnonkonde's big night versus Wake Forest has earned him a little love from the ACC.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Junior Gnonkonde, North Carolina, Jr., DE, 6-4, 260, Lakeland, Ga.

Gnonkonde recorded two sacks, both coming in a span of three plays in the third quarter of North Carolina’s 50-14 win over Wake Forest. That matched the total number of sacks the Tar Heels had registered this season prior to that drive.  He finished with nine tackles, two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss as UNC shut out Wake Forest in the second half and held the Demon Deacons to 310 total yards of offense, including just 113 on the ground.

Gnonkonde has been a bright spot on a defensive line that has suffered from injuries and simply not playing well in general. He is second on the team behind Jeff Schoettmer in tackles for loss with 3.5. His two sacks lead the team.

Gnonkonde also recovered a fumble against Georgia Tech which set the stage for the Tar Heels to take the lead in that game on the Quinshad Davis to Marquise Williams trick play.