North Carolina senior linebacker Cedric Gray announced has declared for the 2024 NFL draft and will opt out of participation in the Duke’s Mayo bowl, as announced via Instagram and X on Monday evening.
Gray has been the backbone of the Tar Heel defense all season, recording 121 total tackles, five sacks for 48 yards and one interception. The senior has played in 51 games since his true first-year season in 2020.
Gray has also served as a valuable leader for the younger members on the team, in addition to his own contributions on the field.
“I do want to brag on Ced Gray,” head coach Mack Brown said in a press appearance after the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech. “It's his birthday today and he's one of the best kids I've ever seen. And one of the best leaders I've ever seen.”
The Charlotte native has made a significant impact in his years as a Tar Heel and leaves North Carolina with career totals of 369 total tackles, 30 tackles for 122 yards of loss, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
“To my teammates, I could not have asked for a better group of guys to spend the last four years with. We are forever brothers,” Gray wrote in his announcement post. “Thank you to the University of North Carolina, my professors, academic support staff, athletic trainers, and football support staff that has taught, molded and guided me during my time at UNC.”
Gray is the second Tar Heel to enter the 2024 NFL draft, joining junior wide receiver Tez Walker. On Thursday, the Reese's Senior Bowl announced via X that Walker had accepted an invitation to its 2024 game. Gray previously accepted his invitation to the senior bowl in November.
Shortly after Gray's announcement, senior defensive lineman Myles Murphy announced on X that he is also declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. In his message, he confirmed that he will be participating in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, writing "[I] look forward to putting on that Carolina jersey one more time in the bowl game."
"To all the Tar Heel fans that supported me along the way, I thank you and I promise I will represent Carolina for years to come," Murphy wrote. "It's been an honor."
