UNC Football: Cedric Gray returning for senior season
Mack Brown confirmed on Monday that standout linebacker Cedric Gray will be returning to the UNC football program for the 2023 season.
The UNC football program announced some big news on Monday, as Mack Brown told reporters that star linebacker Cedric Gray will be returning to the team for his senior season.
Cedric Gray told Mack he is 100 percent coming back
— Tar Heel Illustrated (@HeelIllustrated) December 19, 2022
This is major news for the Tar Heels, especially given that the team has lost some quality defensive players via the transfer portal. Gray was undoubtedly North Carolina’s best player on that side of the football and should be in line for a standout senior season.
As a junior, Gray led the UNC football program in tackles (137), tackles for loss (10.0), forced fumbles (three), and fumble recoveries (two). He earned First-Team All-ACC and Sporting News Second-Team All-America honors for his efforts.
Not only was Gray one of the best defensive players in the ACC, but has also earned a spot among the nation’s best at his position. Heading into his senior season, Gray should draw plenty of preseason recognition.
When discussing Gray’s return, Brown told the media that his star linebacker has some unfinished business left to take care of in Chapel Hill.
"“Cedric Gray has told me that he is 100 percent coming back, which is great news for us and in North Carolina, because he’s one of the best players in the country. And he wants to come back and make sure he has a chance to finish this thing right.”"
The defense will look a bit different, but at least Gray will provide a consistent presence for the UNC football program to rely on.
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