UNC Football: Pro Football Focus releases preseason All-ACC Teams
![Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with running back Elijah Green (21) and tight end Bryson Nesbit (18) after a touchdown during the first quarter of the ACC Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with running back Elijah Green (21) and tight end Bryson Nesbit (18) after a touchdown during the first quarter of the ACC Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e58bd0b29643da83ed6b1034570af3b52b0d11e1242c665ae6fb9dd8cf4f0335.jpg)
The UNC football program is pretty well-represented in Pro Football Focus’ preseason All-ACC teams for the upcoming 2023 college football season.
This past week, Pro Football Focus released its preseason All-ACC teams for the 2023 season.
The UNC football program is pretty well-represented, as a total of five Tar Heels made the preseason cut.
#UNC football players on @PFF's preseason All-ACC teams.
— ryan (@rmsevenryan) July 25, 2023
First-team:
QB Drake Maye
WR Tez Walker
TE Bryson Nesbit
LB Cedric Gray
Second-team:
EDGE Kaimon Rucker
**Should be noted that Walker is the first wide receiver listed on the first-team, so PFF might think UNC has the… pic.twitter.com/GXcryBis2N
To no surprise, Drake Maye is the first-team quarterback, as the UNC football program’s star quarterback is regarded among the best in the entire country. Maye is joined on the first team by transfer wide receiver Tez Walker and returning tight end Bryson Nesbit, both of whom are listed at the top of the list for their respective position.
Standout linebacker Cedric Gray sits alone on the first-team defense, while edge rusher Kaimon Rucker made the cut among the second-team selections.
Although other ACC programs have more players on the list, the five UNC football players selected are expected to play a big role on this year’s team. There are also quite a few Tar Heels who missed the cut on this list who could make it when it counts at the end of the season if they play up to the level they are capable of.
Preseason rankings are simply that. Of course, the recognition is nice, as the respect shown to the conference’s top players is definitely justified.
However, preseason rankings don’t guarantee regular season success, as the UNC football program could see even more players make the actual All-ACC squads once the season comes to a close.
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