UNC Football: Cedric Gray among draft-eligible linebackers to know

Heading into his senior season, UNC football standout Cedric Gray is among the best draft-eligible prospects at the linebacker position.

Cedric Gray is not sneaking up on anyone.

In fact, the UNC football standout linebacker is considered among the best in the nation heading into his senior season.

This shouldn’t be a surprise, given that he’s been a dominant force for the Tar Heels defensive unit. Even with a few months before the 2023 season will officially kickoff, Pro Football Focus has identified 10 draft-eligible linebacker prospects to know, as Gray was one of the players mentioned.

"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 a knack for finding the football, as he made first contact on a ball carrier an astounding 122 times during the 2022 season. He only trails Rodney Butler of New Mexico State (133) for the most plays with first contact among FBS players in the PFF College era (since 2014).

Although the Tar Heels defense struggled over the last few seasons, Gray has been one of the bright spots among this unit. With high expectations surrounding the UNC football program heading into the 2023 campaign, Mack Brown and company need another big year from their defensive leader to help them ultimately reach the goals that they have in place.

Based on his college resume, it’s certain that NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on Cedric Gray this coming season.

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