One of Carolina’s top linebackers is taking his talents to the league.
The Tennessee Titans selected Tar Heel standout Cedric Gray in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 104th overall pick on Saturday. Gray is the second Tar Heel to hear his name called in the draft, after quarterback Drake Maye was taken third overall to the New England Patriots on Friday.
“I’m so excited to be a part of the Titans organization,” said Gray. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time, and now that it’s here, I’m just so thankful for all the people who helped me get to where I am. I want to thank my family. They’ve been with me through it all and it makes me proud to see them so happy. I also want to thank all of the people at Carolina. Even though I knew I could make an impact at the Power 5 level, UNC was the only place that took a chance on me and I’ll be forever grateful… Now, it’s time to get back to work and make my mark in the league. I can’t wait to get to Tennessee and get going.”
Gray made 37 consecutive starts during his last three seasons in Chapel Hill. He burst onto the scene as a junior in 2022, leading all Power 5 players with 145 tackles while adding two interceptions, six pass break-ups, 12 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Gray earned first team All-ACC and second team All-America honors.
Gray maintained his high level of production in 2023, recording a team-high 121 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Gray and NC State’s Payton Wilson, who won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the national defensive player of the year, were the only ACC linebackers to eclipse 120 tackles. Gray was once again named first team All-ACC and was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
“Cedric Gray has been one of the great players of our second tenure here at Carolina and it’s been fun to see him develop into the player and leader he’s become,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “Ced is a graduate of UNC, is tough as nails, plays through injury, serves as a role model to younger players and held everyone accountable. Those traits, along with his physical gifts and work ethic, are going to make him an asset for the Titans. We’re so happy for Ced and wish him nothing but the best as he starts his NFL career.”
With the pick, Gray becomes the 32nd North Carolina linebacker selected and the 253rd Tar Heel chosen in the NFL Draft.
The 2024 NFL Draft runs through Saturday in Detroit.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati
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