A three-star recruit in 2020, Cedric Gray played all 12 games as a linebacker and on special teams as a freshman, but only logged three tackles.
He started the latter 37 of 39 games he’s been available for the following three seasons, combining for 365 tackles, 29 of those for loss, 8.5 sacks, five fumbles forced and recovered each, five passes intercepted and 13 more broken up.
Cedric Gray made first-team All-ACC in 2022 and ’23 respectively.
North Carolina is the No. 1 seed in the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and will open play on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. in Charlotte against the winner of Tuesday’s game between Howard and Wagner. CBS will televise the game.
The winner of that contest will advance to Saturday’s Round of 32 against the winner of Thursday’s game between No. 8 seed Mississippi State and No. 9 seed Michigan State.
Carolina was the fourth No. 1 seed behind UConn, Houston and Purdue.
If the Tar Heels win two games in Charlotte, they will advance to the West Regional in Los Angeles beginning on Thursday March 28.
“I’m just really excited for the guys. We’re a number one seed because of the work this team has done this season.
I’m proud of how they have worked all season, how they’ve played, how they have prepared and how from the start of the season they have wanted to be a team.
To be given an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament is a big deal.
I know the importance of being able to play close to home, so playing in Charlotte for potentially the first two rounds and being closer to our fans is a big deal for us, but it’s just fun coming into the tournament.”
