University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Lewis and Henderson Selected Among ACC Players of the Week
9/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Senior defensive back Ryan Lewis and sophomore wide receiver Quadree Henderson were both honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday for their efforts in helping Pitt triumph in the return on its in-state rivalry with Penn State last Saturday.
Lewis was named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week while Henderson earned ACC Specialist of the Week honors, becoming the first two players to earn weekly recognition from the conference in 2016.
Both Lewis and Henderson featured prominently in Pitt’s 42-39 victory over Penn State.
Lewis, a senior cornerback from Seattle, Wash., joined a long list of Pitt players to make unforgettable plays in the historic Penn State series, which resumed on Saturday at Heinz Field after a 16-year hiatus. With the Nittany Lions threatening at the Pitt 31 with 1:15 to play, Lewis intercepted a pass by Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley in the end zone, ending the drive and sealing Pitt’s win.
In addition to the interception, the first of his collegiate career, Lewis also added a game- and career-high nine tackles, all solo. He is currently Pitt’s leading tackler this season with 14 total stops through two games.
Henderson, a sophomore all-purpose threat from Wilmington, Del., compiled 201 all-purpose yards, making big plays as a runner, receiver and returner in the Panthers’ win over Penn State. His biggest play came in the kick-return game after Penn State closed to within four points early in the fourth quarter. Henderson responded on the subsequent kickoff with an 84-yard return down to the Penn State 10. Pitt scored a touchdown three plays later to go up 42-31, providing enough cushion to hold off the Nittany Lions.
Henderson also averaged 14.5 yards per rush (four carries for 58 yards) and three catches for 47 yards, including a 7-yard TD. Henderson leads the nation in kick-return average (53.5 yards per return) and is sixth in all-purpose yards (206 per game).
The Panthers (2-0) hit the road for the first time this season when they face Oklahoma State (1-1) for the first time in program history. Pitt’s matchup with the Big 12 school will be televised on ESPN at 3:30 p.m.
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