University of North Carolina Athletics
Gray Named Butkus Award Semifinalist
November 6, 2023 | Football
CHICAGO, Ill. - Cedric Gray, a preseason All-ACC choice, Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week winner and ACC Linebacker of the Week following his performance against Miami has been named a semifinalist for the 2023 Butkus Award.
The Charlotte, N.C., native currently ranks 10th all-time at UNC with 333 career tackles. This season, Gray has compiled 85 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, four and a half sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one interception.
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The 12 semifinalist selections:
- Tommy Eichenburg, Ohio State
- Jaylan Ford, Texas
- Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- Jay Higgins, Iowa
- Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama
- Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
- Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson
- Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
- Nathanial Watson, Mississippi State
- Payton Wilson, NC State
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The collegiate semifinalists come from 12 different schools representing five conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC) and the FBS independents. The winner of the award will be named on or before Dec. 7.Â
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The 2023 Butkus Award winners will be honored at a gala event on Jan. 27, 2024, at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The event will honor the legacy of namesake Dick Butkus and be supported by numerous noted NFL Alumni. Ticket and sponsorship information is available by contacting the Butkus Foundation.Â
Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs. A 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process. The Butkus Foundation has presented the high school and professional awards since 2008. The collegiate award is now in its 39th season.
