William Mack Brown, John Copenhaver, Cedric Gray, Drake Maye, Ashlynn Dotson
Sports

UNC Football Preps for the 2023 Season: ACC Kickoff Highlights Key Players and Aspirations

Ashlynn Dotson @ashlynndotson @SpecMagSports

Charlotte, NC- The UNC football team, led by Coach William Mack Brown, is gearing up for the 2023 season with high hopes and determination to improve upon their 6-7 record from the previous year. At the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, NC, several key players shared their thoughts and aspirations for the upcoming season.

Coach William Mack Brown expressed confidence in the team’s new defensive coordinator, Jason Jones, and the seamless transition he has brought to the defense. Despite losing powerful players like Josh Downs, Coach Brown is optimistic about the remaining talent and the addition of players like JJ Jones and Nate McCollin, who promise to fill the void left by Downs and other players that the Tarheels lost. 

John Copenhaver, the talented tight end, emphasized the importance of special teams in changing the momentum of games. As they prepare to face South Carolina in their first game, Copenhaver and the team are determined to bring their best performance, carrying a chip on their shoulder and motivated to make an impact.

Cedric Gray, the standout linebacker, was recognized for his exceptional performance last season. As a team captain and leader on the defensive end, Gray has been working extensively with the D-Line and adding new wrinkles to the pass rush game. He takes pride in elevating his game and has chosen to stay at UNC despite draft speculations, aiming to improve the team’s overall performance.

 The star quarterback,  Drake Maye, made history last season by sweeping all four major ACC awards. Despite his accolades, Drake remains focused on the team’s success and uses the memory of last season’s ending as motivation to push forward and reach new heights. The addition of the new offensive coach, Lindsay, has been beneficial in broadening his knowledge and perspective, allowing him to continuously grow as a player.

As the UNC football team prepares for the 2023 season, there is a shared excitement and determination to overcome challenges and elevate their game to compete at the elite level of the ACC. With Coach Brown’s guidance and the dedication of key players like Copenhaver, Gray, and Drake, the UNC Tar Heels are poised to make a strong statement on the field and strive for success in the upcoming season.