Tag: Cedric Gray

Three Tar Heels among 247Sports’ top 20 football players heading into 2023 season

UNC football players Drake Maye, Cedric Gray and Devontez Walker were all ranked on 247Sports’ Top 20 list ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The University of North Carolina’s football team is expected to take a major leap this year – and it has all the signs pointing towards that.

The Heels return Drake Maye, arguably the best quarterback in the country, their top two tight ends in Bryson Nesbit and Kamari Morales, plus a transfer who will certainly boost the wide receiving corps. Linebacker Cedric Gray, who anchored one of 2022’s most underperforming units in all of college football, is gaining some NFL Draft hype ahead of his senior campaign. After a year with uncertainty at running back, Carolina brings back its three leading rushers from a season ago.

Just over a month removed from its Sept. 2 season-opener against neighboring rival University of South Carolina, UNC has three players amongst 247Sports’ top 20 ACC players.

Gray slots in at 16. The Charlotte native led Power Five schools and was third in the entire FBS with 144 tackles (82 solo), including a 14-tackle, 1-interception performance in the record-setting, back-and-forth victory over App State.

Here’s what 247Sports’ Chris Hummer had to say about Gray:

“Gray does everything well. He’s a sure tackler, an above-average in coverage for an off-ball linebacker and obviously does well in the box. The former four-star recruit is one of the most balanced and effective defenders in the country.”

Kent State transfer Devontez Walker landed at 11 on Hummer’s list. He’s a guy Carolina fans haven’t seen play in baby blue yet, but has all the signs of being the perfect Josh Downs replacement. Walker nearly eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season for the Golden Flashes, catching 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdown.

Here’s what Hummer had to say about Walker:

“Walker is a proven deep threat (29th nationally in catches of 30-plus yards), but also showed a lot of shiftiness in the open field with 12 forced missed tackles on the year. Now that he’s set to play with Drake Maye in a pass-heavy offense, his numbers could explode.”

Maye is, without question, the top player on Hummer’s list. The Huntersville (N.C.) native finished fourth in the FBS with 4,321 passing yards last year, led the Tar Heels with 937 rushing yards and played his way into Heisman Trophy contention. Carolina bolted out to a 9-1 start under Maye before losing its final four games, which included its first ACC championship game appearance since 2015. Maye showed he’s a player with poise in the pocket, who can scramble away from pressure and throw on the run, or evade defenders and break away for a long run.

Here’s what Hummer had to say about Maye:

“It’ll be interesting to see how Maye performs in a more pro-style system in 2023 with Chip Lindsey in as offensive coordinator. Either way, Maye seems like a borderline lock to be drafted in the top 10 next spring.”

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Mack Brown, UNC football players to speak Thursday at ACC Football Kickoff

Here is when the UNC football program will meet the media in Charlotte for the ACC Kickoff event.

We are one week closer to the start of the 2023 college football season and the Atlantic Coast Conference will descend on Charlotte for the annual kickoff event this week.

Every team will send a head coach and three players to the event to meet the media and make the rounds as they preview the upcoming season. The event will be split up into three days with four teams on Tuesday, five on Wednesday and five on Thursday.

For North Carolina, Mack Brown will meet the media on Thursday as will quarterback Drake Maye, linebacker Cedric Gray and tight end John Copenhaver. This gives us another chance to hear from the program this Summer as they prep for what we hope is a very successful season in Chapel Hill.

The event will wrap up on Thursday and we will likely get the All-ACC preseason teams as well as record predictions from the media during the event.

To see the full schedule of media availability for every ACC team, check out the list via CBS Sports.

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Cedric Gray deserves more NFL draft hype

UNC linebacker Cedric Gray, the best defensive player on one of college football’s worst units, is an underrated 2024 NFL draft prospect.

NFL teams have used a lot of their early selections in the past two drafts on star defensive players – the first five picks of the 2022 draft (Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Derek Stingley Jr., Sauce Gardner and Kayvon Thibodeaux) all play on defense, while top-10 2023 draft selections Will Anderson Jr., Devon Witherspoon, Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter also play defense.

This year, there’s also a lot of talented defensive players in college football who could hear their name called in the 2024 NFL draft. Florida State’s Jared Verse is among the top defensive ends, while Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is among the best linebackers.

Another defensive player that NFL scouts should be taking a look at is linebacker Cedric Gray, undoubtedly the best player on UNC’s defensive in 2022. Gray led the Tar Heels and finished third nationally with 144 tackles (12 for loss) in 2022.

On3 Sports senior national college football writer Matt Zenitz has Gray as one of his 10 under-the-radar defensive players deserving more NFL draft hype.

Carolina’s defensive unit, as a whole, was one of the worst in college football last year. Opponents racked up 5,697 yards (sixth-most) and score a lot of points against UNC – teams reached the 28-point mark in all but five games against the Heels.

With a mainstay like Gray in the middle, though, could Carolina’s defense become a reliable unit? It’ll take a lot more than one player, but it’s nice to know there’s a “closer” to count on.

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Tar Heel linebacker Gray named to PFF’s Preseason All-ACC Defensive Team

Cedric Gray, the UNC football team’s leading tackler from a year ago, earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ Preseason All-ACC Defensive Team.

It’s no secret that defense is not a bright spot for the University of North Carolina football team.

Opponents tended to have field days against the Tar Heel defense last season, racking up 5,697 yards (6th-worst total allowed in the FBS). UNC allowed 28 points in all but five of its games (Florida A&M, Virginia Tech, Miami (FL), Pitt and Georgia Tech)). What seemed like easy tackles for Carolina turned into long runs and touchdowns.

There was a constant for the 2022 defense who returns for his senior season – linebacker Cedric Gray, who will be a focal point the Heels continue relying on in hopes of closing out close games.

As a reward for his solid junior campaign, Gray was named to Pro Football Focus’ Preseason All-ACC Defensive Team.

Gray finds himself as the lone Tar Heel on PFF’s Preseason All-ACC Team with a duo of Seminoles, Tigers and Blue Devils, plus a quadruplet of Hurricanes. Florida State is expected to contend for the ACC crown with UNC and usual winner Clemson, while Miami hopes to creep its way into ACC Championship contention as well.

Gray made his living last year as a physical, strong tackler. He compiled 144 tackles, third-most in the entire FBS, 82 of which were solo tackles. Gray reached the 10-tackle mark in six of his 14 starts.

The linebacking corps should be one of the Tar Heels’ most talented groups, as Gray is joined by Power Echols, Gio Biggers and DeAndre Boykins (combined 239 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble).

Carolina’s secondary and defensive line have plenty of talent, but are question marks ahead of the season. If UNC wants to stop opponents from racking up yards at will, they should lean on Gray and the rest of its linebackers.

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Gray and Maye among ACC’s top players heading into upcoming season

UNC football stars Cedric Gray (11) and Drake Maye (1) made their way into the top College Football News’ Preseason Top 30 ACC players list.

When you have arguably the top quarterback and one of the best linebackers in college football, chances are you’re going to be pretty good.

In this case, that top quarterback is Drake Maye and that talented linebacker is Cedric Gray, both key parts of the UNC football squad.

Because of their on-field success in 2022, Maye and Grey were named to College Football News’ Top 30 ACC Players list.

Maye is CFN’s top-ranked player, while Gray is the second-ranked linebacker at 11th.

Maye came into last season as Sam Howell’s replacement and ended it as one of the best players in college football. He and his Tar Heel teammates bolted off to a 9-1 start, including wins over in-state rivals App State, Wake Forest and Duke. Maye’s 4,321 passing yards were fourth in the FBS, while his 937 rushing yards led the Heels.

The stats are impressive, but Maye goes far beyond the numbers. He’s a type of player who can sit pretty in the pocket and pick apart a defense with his accurate, rocket arm, scramble and find a receiver on the run or, if the play breaks down, can escape pressure and sprint pass the secondary for a long touchdown.

Among the likes of USC’s Caleb Williams, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Florida State’s Jordan Travis, Maye is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season.

Cedric Gray was one of the anchors of an otherwise-unreliable UNC defense last year, one which allowed the sixth-most yards (5,697) among FBS schools.

Gray, named UNC’s defensive MVP according to his player bio, finished third in the country last season with 144 tackles. He won ACC Linebacker of the Week for his 14-tackle performance in the win against Georgia State, a game-high 13 tackles in the loss against Notre Dame, plus a career-high 16 tackles in the close, 31-28 victory over Virginia. In the postseason against Clemson and Oregon, Gray totaled 15 tackles (three for loss).

Though he’s known for his ability to find the opposing ballcarrier, Gray can drop back to help the defense in coverage. Gray forced three fumbles and deflected eight passes in 2022.

If Maye and Gray play to the best of their abilities, Carolina could be a very dangerous team in the Fall.

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Drake Maye, Cedric Gray earn preseason All-ACC honors

UNC football players Drake Maye and Cedric Gray have earned preseason All-ACC honors by College Football News.

Two North Carolina Tar Heels football players are earning some preseason honors ahead of Atlantic Coast Conference media days next week.

College Football News released their 2023 All-ACC preseason team on Thursday, listing 26 total players on offense, defense and special teams ahead of the season. Among the 26 players on the team, two Tar Heels made the team, one on offense and one on defense.

Leading the way was quarterback Drake Maye who beat out Clemson’s Cade Klubnk and Florida State’s Jordan Travis for the top spot. It’s just the latest recognition that Maye has received before the season starts both in the ACC and nationally.

On defense, Cedric Gray was listed as a first-team linebacker by the site.

Gray is coming off a breakout season for the Tar Heels, leading the way on the defense. Going into this season, Gray is expected to be a leader on the Tar Heels’ defense as they look to get better and help the team contend in the ACC.

To see the full team by the publication, visit the site here.

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Cedric Gray named a linebacker to watch for 2024 NFL draft

Pro Football Focus named UNC football linebacker Cedric Gray as a player to watch at his position for the 2024 NFL draft.

While a lot of the focus on the 2024 NFL draft circles around Drake Maye for North Carolina, it’s a player on the defensive side of the ball that is getting some more hype.

Linebacker Cedric Gray is a player that is coming off a monster season in 2022, being one of the best tacklers in the Power 5. Gray earned All-ACC honors for his play a year ago and now going into this season, he’s hoping to up his draft stock a little bit.

Pro Football Focus released their list of 10 linebackers to watch for the 2024 NFL draft and right there included on that list was Gray:

Gray flew around North Carolina’s defense this past year on his way to becoming a PFF second-team All-American.

The senior made first contact on a ball carrier 122 times, which was 15 more than the next-closest defender in college football. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era.

Gray has developed into a really good linebacker for the Tar Heels since arriving on campus a few years ago. He’s also moved into a leadership-type role on the defense and if UNC wants to make a run this year, they are going to need Gray and others to play at a very high level.

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Two UNC football players named to Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Team

Two UNC football players made the Athlon Sports preseason All-America team for 2023.

With the 2023 college football season still months away, the preseason teams for the upcoming season are starting to roll in. Athlon Sports has released its preseason teams for conferences and now they are focusing on the All-America Team.

The publication rolled out the 2023 Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Team last week and there were two Tar Heels on that list.

Quarterback Drake Maye led the way by being named to the second team by Athlon Sports with USC’s Caleb Williams earning first-team honors. Maye and Williams are considered two of the best players returning to college football in 2023 and should be battling it out to be the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

On the defensive side, linebacker Cedric Gray was named to the third team by Athlon Sports, picking up another preseason honor after an impressive 2022 campaign.

Both players have earned some preseason recognition already and that will continue on in the summer months leading into the start of the new season.

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UNC LB Cedric Gray named to Lott IMPACT award watch list

UNC football linebacker Cedric Gray was named to the Lott IMPACT award watch list on Tuesday.

North Carolina Tar Heels’ linebacker Cedric Gray had a breakout campaign in 2022 and enters the 2023 season among the best at his position not only in the Atlantic Coast Conference but also all of college football.

Ahead of the season, Gray should earn recognition for his play by being named on watch lists. On Tuesday, he was named to his first watch list for that 2023 season.

Gray was one of 42 players named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list on Wednesday. The award is handed out annually to the most impactful defender in college football. This year’s award watch list features 16 linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 13 defensive linemen.

Gray finished the 2022 season with 145 total tackles, the most in college football. He also had 12 tackles for loss, five QB hits and three forced fumbles.

His efforts landed him a first-team All-ACC selection.

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UNC’s Cedric Gray among top returning linebackers in 2023

UNC football linebacker Cedric Gray was named one of the top returning players at his position for the 2023 season.

While the 2023 college football season is still months away, there has been a lot of talk regarding the potential of the UNC football program.

A lot of that potential revolves around quarterback Drake Maye and his ability to repeat — and exceed — his 2022 season.

One other player who returns for the Tar Heels and will play a significant role is on the defensive side of the ball.

Linebacker [autotag]Cedric Gray[/autotag] comes back to Chapel Hill in 2023 after a phenomenal 2022 season. He had 145 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, five quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.

According to Pro Football Focus, Gray will be among the top returning linebackers in the country next year.

Gray was a First-Team All-ACC selection last season, receiving the most votes at the linebacker position. He led the ACC in tackles.

He was also the lone Tar Heels player to be named a first or second-team All-American by the Sporting News.

“He’s one of the best players in the country,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said when announcing Gray’s return. “And he wants to come back and make sure he has a chance to finish this thing right.”

UNC finished the 2022 season 9-5 and ACC Coastal champs. However, the Tar Heels finished the season on a four-game losing streak and lost in the Holiday Bowl by one point to Oregon.

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