Cedric Gray optimistic about Tar Heels' pass rush next season

The star linebacker predicts UNC will be better at rushing opposing quarterbacks this coming season.

Despite having a talented defensive line and linebacking corps, UNC recorded only 17 sacks during the 2022 season. 

That was good enough to finish dead last in the conference, while also hindering their secondary in the passing game. 

During a press conference at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff Thursday, senior linebacker Cedric Gray said things will be different for this upcoming season, predicting an improved pass rush from the defense. 

"I definitely do think it will be better this year," Gray said. "I think our D-line has improved tremendously, kind of working with them throughout the spring and the summer. But not only that, I think we’ve added some new wrinkles to the pass rush game."

Gray also thinks that having a second year under defensive coordinator Gene Chizik will help improve the pass rush as last season was Chizik's first year back with the program since 2016. 

"I think everybody has a better understanding of how we’re trying to attack teams and different things like that," Gray said.

With more experience and last year's disappointing performance to learn from, how many sacks and quarterback pressures will the Tar Heels get in 2023?