The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has honored two Clemson players, Khalil Barnes and Jonathan Weitz, for their outstanding performances in the recent rivalry match against South Carolina. The announcement, made today, recognizes Khalil Barnes as the Defensive Back of the Week and Jonathan Weitz as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Clemson’s ACC Honors Pile Up
With these new recognitions, Clemson’s total number of ACC weekly honors this season rises to 13, contributing to a grand total of 578 ACC weekly honors since 1968. The selections mark a significant milestone in both Barnes’ and Weitz’s careers as it is their first time receiving such accolades.
A Double Win for Clemson’s Defense
Barnes not only becomes the second recipient of the Defensive Back of the Week award this year but also marks the second consecutive week Clemson has garnered this honor. He follows in the footsteps of Nate Wiggins, who received the award for his performance against North Carolina the previous week.
During the match against South Carolina, Barnes demonstrated an exceptional defensive skillset. He recorded four tackles, two pass breakups, a 42-yard fumble return touchdown, and one interception. Remarkably, Barnes achieved the fumble return and the interception back-to-back during South Carolina’s second and third plays of the game. This feat makes him the first Clemson player to record a takeaway on consecutive plays from scrimmage since Brian Dawkins’ performance against Duke in 1995.
Furthermore, Barnes became the first Clemson player since Dorian O’Daniel in 2017 to register both a fumble recovery and an interception in the same game. In doing so, he joined an exclusive club of FBS players — being only the second, and the sole freshman — to record three or more interceptions, multiple forced fumbles, and a scoop-and-score this season.
Weitz’s Special Teams Brilliance
Weitz, on the other hand, becomes Clemson’s second Special Teams Player of the Week this season, following punter Aidan Swanson’s recognition for his efforts against Notre Dame earlier in November.
Weitz’s performance was instrumental in securing Clemson’s nine-point victory over South Carolina. He successfully converted three field goal attempts of 50, 49, and 42 yards, thereby accounting for the final margin of victory. His accomplishment of three field goals of 40-plus yards ties a school record shared by Bob Paulling, Nelson Welch, Mark Buchholz, and Chandler Catanzaro.
Notably, Weitz’s 50-yard field goal in the first quarter was Clemson’s longest since B.T. Potter’s 52-yarder in the 2022 ACC Championship Game. Interestingly, it happened in the same stadium where the first 50-yard field goal in Clemson history was scored by Eddie Seigler against South Carolina in 1971.
The ACC honors conferred on Barnes and Weitz are a testament to their exceptional performances and contributions to Clemson’s victory. Their achievements not only highlight their efforts but also underline Clemson’s rich history and ongoing tradition of sporting excellence. As we move forward in the season, these recognitions will undoubtedly serve as motivation for both the players and the team to continue delivering stellar performances.
