Oct. 12, 2009

Wake Forest defensive tackle John Russell has been named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Russell, a 6-4, 280-pound senior from Jacksonville, Fla. (The Bolles School) matched his career-high with six tackles and recorded two sacks for losses totaling 15 yards in Wake's 42-32 win over Maryland. Russell also helped anchor a defensive front that limited Maryland to just 62 rushing yards, a season-low for Demon Deacons.

Russell had a nine-yard sack late in the second quarter during a Maryland drive that reached midfield. His second sack came on a fourth and-and-five late in the third quarter when he dropped Maryland quarterback Chris Turner for a six-yard loss.