Tech's King, Daniels, Rutledge and Birr all honored by ACC after win vs. Clemson
Fresh of Georgia Tech’s impressive 24-21 win over ACC rival Clemson, the recognition continues to roll in for the Jackets as four players earned ACC weekly awards announced on Monday.
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King was named the ACC Quarterback of the week, safety Omar Daniels was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week, right guard Keylan Rutledge was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week and kicker Aidan Birr was named ACC Specialist of the Week for their contributions in the Jackets’ victory over Clemson to move to 3-0 on the season and vault into both the the AP and Coaches Poll Top 25.
Haynes King
The redshirt-senior King finished with 103 rushing yards on 25 carries and one touchdown along with 211 passing yards on 20-of-28 attempts and led two crucial fourth-quarter scoring drives, including the final one that set up Birr’s 55-yard game-winning field goal on Saturday vs. the Tigers.
King was also named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8, the Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week and as a Manning Award Star of the Week among other top quarterback performers from this past weekend. Fans can vote for King for the Manning Quarterback of the Week here with voting closing on Wednesday morning.
Omar Daniels
Daniels, a redshirt-senior as well, had seven total tackles (three solo), a forced fumble and an interception in Tech’s win to earn his DB of the Week Award. His forced fumble came on a run by Clemson QB Cade Klubnik in the first quarter on Saturday, and his interception stopped a Tigers’ offensive drive inside the Tech 10 yard line on the opening possession of the second half.
Keylan Rutledge
The senior Rutledge was a key part of the Jackets’ offensive line’s effort in Saturday’s win, helping open up holes in the running game and keeping King somewhat clean in pass protection on his way to being named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week and showing his grit, missing just a few snaps with a bloody nose before getting right back in the game. The Tech offense finished with 358 total yards, including 211 through the air and 147 on the ground.
Aidan Birr
Last but not least, the hero on the final and game-deciding play Birr, was named ACC Specialist of the Week after going 3-for-3 on field goals Saturday, including his 55-yarder as time expired. He also made field goals from 40 and 42 yards out earlier in the game, was 1-for-1 on extra points and had 4-of-5 kickoffs go for touchbacks.
Birr remains perfect on the season on field goals (6-for-6) and PATs (12-for-12) with his most recent contributions against Clemson.
Georgia Tech (3-0) will look to keep its early-season momentum rolling this Saturday when the Jackets welcome non-conference opponent Temple (2-1) to Bobby Dodd Stadium for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. The game will be televised on The CW Network.
