GREENSBORO – University of North Carolina defensive lineman Tydreke Powell was honored this week by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Powell, an Ahoskie native who graduate from Hertford County High School, was selected as Defensive Lineman of the Week by the ACC.

The sophomore defensive tackle for the Tar Heels forced a key fourth-quarter fumble, broke up a pass, and added three tackles, including one sack, in a 20-17 win at 14th-ranked (AP) Virginia Tech.

With just over two minutes remaining in the game, Powell forced a Hokie fumble which was recovered by the Tar Heels and eventually led to Casey Barth’s game-winning 21-yard field goal. Powell also had a nine-yard sack on Virginia Tech’s final possession of the first half, pushing the Hokies out of field goal range.

Powell was a standout athlete at Hertford County High, earning a trip to the Shrine Bowl as well as being named Northeastern Coastal Conference Player of the Year and Roanoke-Chowan Male Athlete of the Year.