North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray has already earned a lot of preseason recognition ahead of the 2023 campaign. After a breakout year in 2022, Gray is returning for another year in hopes of improving his draft stock.
On Monday, Gray earned some more national recognition as he was one of 85 players to be named to the Chuck Bednarik award watch list for the preseason. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
The linebacker is coming off a 2022 season in which he earned All-ACC First Team honors by recording 144 total tackles, 6 passes defended, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.
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— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 14, 2023
Gray was previously named to the Butkus preseason award watch list last week for the most outstanding linebacker in college football.
The full preseason award watch list for the award can be found here.
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