Sports
Sports

Kenny Cooper, A.J. Gray honored by ACC

North Carolina quarterback Chazz Surratt (12) runs against Georgia Tech defensive back A.J. Gray (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jon Barash)

Credit: Jon Barash

Credit: Jon Barash

North Carolina quarterback Chazz Surratt (12) runs against Georgia Tech defensive back A.J. Gray (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jon Barash)
By
Oct 2, 2017

After Georgia Tech’s 33-7 defeat of North Carolina on Saturday, the ACC honored Yellow Jackets players a third and fourth time this season as its conference players of the week. Center Kenny Cooper and safety A.J. Gray earned the honors as offensive lineman and defensive back of the week, respectively.

Tech coaches credited Cooper with 10 defenders blocked to the ground as the Jackets cranked out their third 400-yard rushing game of the season. Gray helped swing the game in Tech’s favor with two interceptions in the third quarter, helping extinguish the Tar Heels’ hopes for a comeback.

They were the second and third interceptions of Gray’s career.

For both Cooper and Gray, they were the first ACC honors of their careers.

Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall was honored as ACC offensive back of the week after his 249 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in the double overtime loss to Tennessee. Left guard Parker Braun was named the ACC offensive lineman of the week following Tech’s 35-17 win over Pittsburgh for blocking 22 defenders to the ground.

About the Author

Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.

Follow Ken Sugiura on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

FILE - Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Credit: AP

Jacksonville Jaguars select ex-Collins Hill star Travis Hunter as No. 2 pick in NFL draft

Collins Hill star Travis Hunter was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Late bullpen collapse leads to 10-4 loss to Cardinals

The Cardinals took advantage of the Braves' sloppy pitching and scored eight unanswered runs in the final four innings

Braves score five runs in 8th inning to soar past Twins, 6-4

The Latest

FILE - Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Credit: AP

Jacksonville Jaguars select ex-Collins Hill star Travis Hunter as No. 2 pick in NFL draft

Sports Daily: Draft day cometh

Sports Daily: Who will the Falcons draft?

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Stacey Abrams considers third run for governor as some Georgia Democrats move on

Once the unquestioned leader of Georgia Democrats, Stacey Abrams now faces an uncertain political future as she considers a third run for governor.

Orange Crush future in limbo after clash between organizer, trademark owner

The Orange Crush beach bash brought tens of thousands of HBCU students to Georgia's coast, but its future is clouded by a dispute between the trademark owner and organizer.

With midterms looming, Georgia fails to make election security upgrades

Election security proposals stalled in the Georgia General Assembly, leaving the same voting technology in place for the 2026 election. Election advocates say they're worried.