Chris Gray was the ACC’s offensive player of the year and a Tewaaraton finalist in 2021, setting a Tar Heel record with 91 points (49 goals, 42 assists) and largely doing as he pleased for a team that landed the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

The dynamic attackman is the USA Lacrosse Division I Men’s Preseason Player of the Year.

North Carolina took some steep (and belated) graduation hits, meaning Gray might somehow become an even more pivotal figure in 2022. He’s galvanized the Tar Heels since arriving from Boston University, leading them to a 20-3 record over the last two seasons. A Tewaaraton Award could be in his future this spring.

MORE DIVISION I PRESEASON ACCOLADES

• USA Lacrosse Magazine Division I Men’s Preseason All-Americans

• USA Lacrosse Magazine Division I Men’s Preseason Positional Players of the Year