Cedric Gray has his eyes on the pros.

The two-time All-ACC linebacker and leading tackler for the Tar Heels officially declared for the NFL Draft on Monday afternoon. He will not play in Carolina’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup with West Virginia on December 27.

“I could not have asked for a better group of guys to spend the last four years with,” Gray said in his announcement. “We are forever brothers.”

After bursting onto the scene with two interceptions against Miami in 2021, Gray truly flourished in 2022. He led all Power 5 players in total tackles (145) and solo tackles (82) on his way to being named first team All-ACC and second team All-America.

Though not quite as productive in 2023, Gray still established himself as one of the best linebackers in the conference. He once again led the team in tackles (121) and proved to be an all-around defender, posting 11 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, four pass break-ups, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Gray recorded 10 or more tackles in a game 16 times as a Tar Heel, and his 359 career tackles rank eighth in Carolina history. He is projected to be a second- or third-round pick in this spring’s NFL Draft.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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