Antoine Deslauriers named ACC Linebacker of the Week
Antoine Deslauriers, a true freshman, was named ACC Linebacker of the Week on Monday after forcing two fumbles and making eight tackles in Syracuse's victory at Clemson. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
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Syracuse freshman linebacker Antoine Deslauriers is the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Week 4 Linebacker of the Week, the conference announced Monday afternoon. It’s Deslauriers’ first-career weekly ACC honor. The freshman forced two fumbles and racked up eight tackles in the Orange’s 34-21 victory over Clemson Saturday in Death Valley.
Deslauriers’ career-best performance continued his explosive start to the season. He ranks fourth on SU with 18 total tackles and now leads the team with a pair of forced fumbles. The Montreal, Quebec native went from an under-the-radar freshman to earning immense playing time at linebacker, often earning snaps over Syracuse senior linebacker Derek McDonald.
Just four weeks into his collegiate career, the weekly ACC award signifies the Canadian middle linebacker is making the most of his opportunities.
“I’m glad that (Syracuse) recognized the way that I play and the plays that I’m able to make,” Deslauriers said on Sept. 9. “I just feel really privileged to be in that role every week.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Deslauriers tallied a 70.2 tackling grade against Clemson. Syracuse’s overall tackling grade of 80.1 ranks third in the ACC behind Clemson and Pittsburgh.
With Deslauriers being integral to its team-wide tackling improvements from 2024 to 2025, the Orange’s defense is rising to a higher standard under second-year defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson.
