UNC's Cedric Gray opts out of bowl, will declare for NFL Draft
Posted December 11, 2023 5:19 p.m. EST
Updated December 11, 2023 6:52 p.m. EST
Chapel Hill, N.C. — North Carolina's top defensive player is headed to the NFL and will not play in the Tar Heels' bowl game.
All-ACC linebacker Cedric Gray posted the decision Monday on social media.
Several of Gray's high-profile UNC teammates are making the same choice. Quarterback Drake Maye, wide receiver Tez Walker and offensive lineman Corey Gaynor have also declared for the draft and will not play in the Dec. 27 Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Gray led UNC with 121 tackles to go with a career-high five sacks and an interception. He was named to the All-ACC first team for the second straight season.
Gray had one season of eligibility remaining but said in his social media post he is on track to graduate this month.
The Tar Heels face West Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, which is Gray's hometown.
Last month, Gray accepted an invitation to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl on February 3.
Walker announced last week he would also play in the Senior Bowl and head to the NFL.
