Juan Thornhill earns national, ACC weekly accolades

In Saturday’s upset victory over the No. 16 Miami-Florida Hurricanes, Virginia Cavaliers safety Juan Thornhill racked up six tackles and two interceptions, including a career-long 62-yard return with a brutal hit stick on the referee. For his efforts, he’s been receiving national- and league-wide attention, and well-deserved at that.

On Sunday, the Walter Camp Football Foundation named Thornhill the National Defensive Player of the Week. He’s only the fourth Virginia player since 2004 to receive the honor. Former Virginia linebacker Micah Kiser was the more recent Cavalier to earn the honors, on September 17, 2017.

Thornhill was also named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week for the second time this season.

On the season, Thornhill ranks third in the conference with seven passes defended and three interceptions, bringing his career interception total up to 10.

In the preseason, Thornhill was named to the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Senior Bowl. He was listed on multiple preseason ACC Second Teams.

Thornhill and the rest of the Cavaliers are back in action this Saturday in Durham against Duke. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 and will be broadcast on regional sports networks.