UNC Football: Cedric Gray makes Lombardi Award Watch List

The preseason honors continue to roll in for UNC football star Cedric Gray as he adds yet another watch list selection to his name.

We’ve heard plenty about Cedric Gray over the last few weeks, as the UNC football star defensive player is preparing for his senior season with the program.

After earning spots on the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, and Nagurski Trophy Award watch lists, Gray adds yet another preseason recognition to his name.

As announced by the Rotary Club of Houston, Gray has earned a spot on the 2023 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list. The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi in addition to outstanding performance and ability on the football field.

In order to be considered for this award, a player must meet the following qualifications:

-Must be an NCAA FBS College Football team member

-Be a down Lineman, either on offense or defense, setting up no further than ten yards to the left or right of the ball at the time of the snap.

-Be a Linebacker on defense, setting up no further than five (5) yards deep from the line of scrimmage.

-Be eligible to participate in the current season.

Last season, Gray was an absolute force for the UNC football program’s defensive unit, recording a Power 5 best 145 tackles and 82 solo tackles. His 145 tackles ranked as the third-most in the entire country.

Gray has rightfully earned a ton of attention heading into what could be his final season on campus as he looks to once again anchor a Tar Heels’ defense that aspires to improve upon recent woes.

With Gray in the mix, the UNC football program has to feel confident in the unit being able to accomplish this goal.

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