Sept. 30, 2002
Georgia Tech running back Ajenavi “Ace” Eziemefe and offensive tackle Kyle Wallace were honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference for their performances in the Yellow Jackets’ 21-13 win over North Carolina.
Eziemefe, a true freshman from New Orelans, La., is this week’s ACC Rookie of the Week, while Wallace, a sophomore from Lawrenceville, Ga., was tabbed ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
In his first start and just his second game, Eziemefe rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown. Stepping in for the nation’s leading rusher, Eziemefe carried the ball 32 times without a fumble. On Tech’s 80-yard, 18-play drive in the third quarter, he rushed eight times for 33 yards, capped by a one-yard touchdown run that put the Jackets ahead 21-13.
Eziemefe is the first Tech freshman to top 100 yards rushing since Joe Burns in 1998.
Wallace was Georgia Tech’s top-grading lineman against the Tar Heels at 87 percent. Despite losing Tony Hollings’ 158 yards rushing per game, the Tech offense still netted 185 rushing yards and gained 396 total yards against the Tar Heels while controlling the clock for more than 37 minutes.
Tech, off to a 4-1 start, including a 1-1 mark in the ACC, hosts Wake Forest (2-3, 0-2 ACC) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
