Ikem Ekwonu Named ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy Recipient

RALEIGH, N.C. - Wolfpack offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu has been named the recipient of the 2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy. This prestigious honor has given annually since 1953 to the player selected as the most outstanding blocker in the ACC by a poll of the league's head coaches and defensive coordinators.

Ekwonu, who was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy last week, tallied a team-leading 67 pancake blocks and 18 knockdowns for the Wolfpack in 2021. A two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week, Ekwonu allowed just two sacks from his left tackle position in 829 snaps this season and has consistently been the high-grader on the Wolfpack offensive line. 

He was named a midseason All-American by AP, The Athletic, ESPN and The Sporting News.

It marks the fourth time a Wolfpack player has won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, as Bill Yoest was the 1973 recipient and Jim Ritcher won it in 1978 and 1979.

The trophy is given in memory of William P. Jacobs, who served as president of Presbyterian College from 1935 to 1945.

Ekwonu will be honored on Friday, Dec. 3 during the ACC Football Honors event at the Blumenthal Arts Center's Booth Playhouse.