Carolina was well-represented in the ACC’s annual all-conference teams released on Tuesday afternoon. Tight end Bryson Nesbit, running back Omarion Hampton and linebacker Cedric Gray were each named to the first team, and 10 other Tar Heels also received recognition.

Hampton, a finalist for the Doak Walker Award honoring the nation’s best running back, ranks in the top 10 nationally in rushing yards (1,442, fourth), touchdowns (15, eighth) and rushing attempts (225, eighth). All of those figures, as well as his 19.5 carries per game and 120.7 yards per game, rank first in the ACC.

Nesbit makes his debut on the first team after earning an All-ACC honorable mention nod in 2022. This season, Nesbit led all tight ends in the conference with 585 receiving yards, 14.3 yards per catch and five touchdowns.

Gray is making his second straight appearance on the All-ACC first team after once again leading Carolina in tackles with 121. His 64 solo tackles rank second in the conference. Gray continued to stuff the stat sheet for the Tar Heels in 2022, totaling 11 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, four pass break-ups, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. A bright spot in an often porous UNC defense, Gray has posted 16 double-digit tackle games in his college career, and his 359 career tackles rank eighth in Carolina history.

Quarterback Drake Maye, edge rusher Kaimon Rucker and kicker Noah Burnette each earned spots on the second team. It puts a bow on quite the 2023 season for Burnette, who began as UNC’s second-string kicker but rose to the starting role following an injury to Ryan Coe. Burnette proceeded to make 18 of 19 field goal attempts, including a 6-6 performance against Duke in which he made 43-yarder to tie the game as time expired. Burnette fell one vote short of first team honors.

Three Tar Heels appeared on the third team: receiver Tez Walker, offensive lineman Willie Lampkin and linebacker Power Echols. Offensive linemen Spencer Rolland and Corey Gaynor, defensive lineman Myles Murphy and defensive back Alijah Huzzie each earned honorable mention nods.

For a full look at the All-ACC teams, click here.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Chris Seward

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