UNC Football duo earn Preseason All-American honors

Heading into the 2023 college football season, a pair of UNC football stars were named to Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-America squads.

When you think of the UNC football program heading into the upcoming season, it’s hard to not talk about standouts Drake Maye and Cedric Gray.

The duo is expected to lead the Tar Heels on their respective sides of the football, as Maye will once again anchor the offensive attack while Gray will serve as the leader of the team’s defensive unit that looks to improve this season.

With high expectations for both players, Athlon Sports recognized them as preseason All-Americans.

Maye was tabbed as the second-team quarterback on Athlon Sports’ list. He hopes to replicate his success from his first season as the program’s starter, a year in which he threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing.

Gray was selected by Athlon Sports as a third-team All-American linebacker. Heading into his senior season, Gray is coming off his best season as a Tar Heel, as he started all 14 games while recording 82 total tackles en route to earning various individual honors for his efforts.

It’s evident that Maye and Gray will be very important pieces for the UNC football program this season, as their preseason honors should continue to roll in as we inch closer to opening kickoff.

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, updates, and recruiting.