North Carolina linebacker [autotag]Cedric Gray[/autotag] has been placed on the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
The decision came Tuesday, announced by the Football Writers Association of America. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented to who the committee deems as the best defensive player in the NCAA.
No player from UNC has ever won the reward, with Bradley Chubb being the last player from the ACC to receive the honor when he won in 2017 with NC State.
Last year, Gray was a bright spot on the lackluster defense, leading the team in tackles with 145. Gray also had a nose for turnovers last season, leading UNC in forced fumbles (3) and finishing second in interceptions (2).
One of the nation’s top returning defenders 😤
Ced Gray 🤝 Nagurski Trophy #CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/0ncGmNdcot
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 1, 2023
This season, North Carolina will be fun, with notable players, such as Gray, Drake Maye, and Drew Little, already claiming watch lists.
The finalists of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Nov. 15th, with the winner being crowned on Dec. 4th.
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