Dallas, Texas - North Carolina senior linebacker Cedric Gray has been placed on the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.

Gray was a second-team All-American according to Sporting News and Pro Football Focus. He was also voted first-team All-ACC by the league and by the Associated Press. Gray started all 14 games at linebacker and registered 145 tackles, including 82 solo stops, a sack, 12 TFL, two INTs, six PBU, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His 145 tackles and 82 solos ranked first among Power 5 players.

The Charlotte, N.C., native was voted a season-long team captain in 2022 and was named the team’s William Fuller Defensive MVP following the season.

The Nagurski list includes 96 defensive standouts from 70 schools. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2023 trophy on Nov. 15 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 4 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.