The offseason has been relatively calm for the Charlotte 49ers’ football program as training camp approaches, but that’s not because the team isn’t busy retooling a 3-9 roster and coaching staff in preparation for Biff Poggi’s second season as head coach.
Unlike last year, when Poggi’s bold claims energized Charlotte with three questions, three wins, and three months of frustration for fans who haven’t seen a bowl appearance in years, Poggi has been notably subdued this time around. He even missed the American Athletic Conference media day in Arlington, Texas, last week due to personal reasons.
This offseason, Poggi has assembled a strong coaching staff that includes associate head coach and tight ends coach Tim Brewster, Hall of Famer and defensive analyst Dre Bly, and wide receivers coach Jason Barnes, who has been promoted from his role as an offensive analyst in 2023.
With a new quarterback, fresh talent at key positions, and an overhauled secondary, Charlotte’s 2024 roster is aligning more closely with Poggi’s vision and strategy compared to the previous season.
Here are five key storylines to follow during training camp for the 49ers:
New quarterback, new protectors
Poggi has focused on developing Florida transfer Max Brown as Charlotte’s quarterback for the future. As a former offensive lineman, he understands the importance of keeping the 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback protected, and Brown has been impressed with the team’s offensive line.
“You don’t often see players putting in extra work after practice, but it’s especially rare to see the entire offensive line doing it together,” Brown shared on the Highway 49 podcast. “That really shows the camaraderie they have. They continue to impress me week after week.”
Center Jonny King is the only returning starter for Charlotte from last season, during which the 49ers’ offense managed just 3.8 yards per carry (10th in the AAC) and allowed 31 sacks (11th in the AAC). To align with Charlotte’s vision for offensive play, the team brought in five transfers with Power Five experience for the offensive line, featuring guards Mitchell Mayes (Clemson) and Jordon Moko (Texas A&M).
Position battles will unfold as training camp progresses with pads, and potential starters include King, Mayes, Moko, Jordan Herman (Florida), Tyler Gibson (Georgia Tech), Mo Clipper Jr. (Tennessee), and Jonny Hassard (UMass).
Miller’s Opportunity
It’s clear that Charlotte’s offense was a significant drawback last season. With offensive coordinator Mike Miller returning for his second year, there’s heightened pressure on the passing game to improve, especially given their investment in a new quarterback.
In his first season, Miller’s strategy was often criticized due to inconsistent quarterback play, poor timeout management, questionable substitutions, and ineffective execution on third downs. For context, Charlotte surpassed 200 passing yards only twice and converted just 24% of their third down attempts, both among the worst figures nationally.
Despite early discussions of potential changes, limited playbooks, and simplification of schemes, Poggi chose to keep Miller on staff. Now, with a complete offseason under his belt, returning talent, and a new quarterback, 2024 represents a critical opportunity for Miller. The key question is whether Charlotte can score at least 25 points per game, which would put them in a favorable position since no other bowl-eligible AAC team averaged below that mark.
Plus Receivers?
After struggling to gain separation last season and rarely receiving accurate passes when open, Charlotte’s receiving corps has the potential to improve significantly with a mix of returning players and newcomers eager to prove themselves.
Redshirt junior Jairus Mack led the team with 25 receptions for 453 yards, including two games over 100 receiving yards. He was second in the AAC and 24th in the FBS with an impressive 18.12 yards per catch, establishing himself as Charlotte’s deep threat. The addition of Justin Olsen (6-3, Middle Tennessee), Isaiah Myers (6-5, Independence C.C.), and O’Mega Blake (6-2, South Carolina) has given the team an emphasis on height, while returning players Mack (5-10) and Duane Thomas (5-8) can exploit mismatches in the slot against linebackers and safeties.
The X-factors for Charlotte are returning wide receiver Sean Brown and new transfer O’Mega Blake, who joined the 49ers in April after a stint at ECU. Although Brown recorded only three catches for 31 yards last season, he has excelled in practice and established himself as the team’s most physical receiver. At 6-4 and 210 pounds, he possesses the potential to significantly raise his game and become Charlotte’s primary target.
Linebacker by Committee
With the top tackling duo of Demetrius Knight and Nikhai Hill-Green transferring to Power Five programs, what was once Charlotte’s strongest defensive position group now raises concerns about who will fill the linebacker roles.
Returning players Prince Bemah-Wallace and Reid Williford, who totaled 61 tackles last season, have emerged as possible starters and leaders during spring practice. Additionally, Charlotte has brought in Avery Morris (UTSA), Xavier Simmons (Missouri), Aiden Kaler (Stony Brook), and Donovan Spellman (Appalachian State) via the transfer portal to strengthen the linebacker corps in Ryan Osborn’s defense.
High Hopes for Handy
If you’re curious about Charlotte’s defensive X-factor, look no further than Stone Handy. Returning for his third year with the program and his second eligible season, Handy is aware of the high expectations as a redshirt senior.
With Eyabi Okie-Anoma gone, the onus is on Handy to become Charlotte’s top pass rusher and feature prominently in opponents’ game plans, alongside Demon Clowney on the opposite edge. Standing at 6-foot-5, 247 pounds, and running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, Handy has the physical attributes to reach the next level. With two years of eligibility left, he must stay focused and build on his productive 2023 season.
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