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UNC Football duo crack ESPN’s Top 100 players list

By Nick Delahanty

Nov 12, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs around end looking for a receiver during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs around end looking for a receiver during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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A pair of UNC football stars are considered to be among the top 100 players heading into the 2023 college football regular season.

Ahead of the start of the 2023 college football season, ESPN has ranked its top 100 players, as a pair of UNC football standouts are among the players recognized on the list.

Quarterback Drake Maye sits at No. 5 overall on the list, as he’s the second-highest ranked quarterback behind Caleb Williams of USC. As ESPN notes, what a difference a year makes, as Maye has solidified himself as one of the top signal-callers in the country.

"A year ago, Maye entered fall camp unsure whether he’d land UNC’s starting job. This year, he opens the season as one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy. In between, he threw for 4,321 yards, ran for 698 more, accounted for 45 touchdowns and led North Carolina to an ACC Coastal Division title."

Senior linebacker Cedric Gray comes in at No. 64 on the list. The Tar Heels’ defensive anchor looks to build upon a tremendous junior season in which he was third in the country in tackles.

"The North Carolina defense may have struggled last season, but Gray was the one consistent force the unit had across the board. In fact, he was so good and reliable, he rarely came off the field for the Tar Heels. Gray had 145 tackles — tops among all Power 5 players — a sack, 12 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three forced fumbles a year ago en route to All-ACC honors. He is back on the preseason All-ACC list with more to come."

We’ve heard plenty about both Maye and Gray heading into the 2023 season, and rightly so. Both players are among the best in the country, as they have the combined goal of taking the UNC football program to another level in what will likely be the final season that both spend on the Chapel Hill campus.

Next. Cedric Gray named to Bednarik Award Watch List. dark

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