Charlotte Continues Fight Through Mountain of Injuries
In the second quarter of Charlotte’s 38-20 defeat against North Carolina on Saturday, key players, including redshirt sophomore quarterback Max Brown, exited the field in droves.
However, the backups showcased their potential and shone brightly.
Deshawn Purdie made history as the first true freshman quarterback in the program to throw a touchdown, finishing with two scores and 134 yards, including an impressive fourth-down pass to redshirt junior Henry Rutledge. Junior backup safety Maguire Neal seized the moment, capitalizing on defensive pressure to grab his second career interception, igniting Charlotte’s comeback efforts.
Head coach Biff Poggi beamed with pride post-game, having emphasized the team’s enhanced depth throughout camp, a claim validated by their performance.
“I am so proud of them; they fought hard,” Poggi stated. “When your starting quarterback goes down in the first half against a strong opponent like North Carolina, the team stepped up without missing a beat. We discovered many capable players, and they are incredibly tough kids.”
The injuries began with junior cornerback Dontae Balfour at 9:43 in the second quarter, followed shortly by redshirt senior linebacker Prince Wallace-Bemah. Brown was injured during a possession switch, followed by redshirt junior center Jonny King and senior defensive lineman Dez Morgan, both sidelined by the end of the half.
While some players returned—like Balfour, showcasing his resilience—those who remained on the bench took on mentorship roles for their teammates. Brown shared valuable insights with Purdie, who orchestrated a touchdown drive to kick off the second half. A 34-yard fade to redshirt junior Jairus Mack mirrored the plays Brown excelled at in the first half, leading to Purdie’s five-yard pass to senior tight end Bryce Kennon, marking a milestone in program history.
Mack’s impressive 118-yard performance greatly aided both quarterbacks.
“They put a lot of pride in their nickel back,” Mack noted. “I just used my speed to get past him, and it worked.”
The focus during fall camp and spring ball was on building a deeper roster. With 44 new players from the transfer portal, Charlotte’s roster expansion ranked third nationally. This strategic move was crucial after last year’s starters struggled under fatigue due to a lack of reliable second and third-string players.
Camp adopted a unique intensity, resembling hockey line shifts as Poggi’s staff prioritized providing growth opportunities along the depth chart. While Purdie didn’t receive starter reps, he fostered chemistry with each receiver he rotated with.
Both offensive and defensive lines were often mixed to provide varied looks, enabling players to learn invaluable lessons through frequent rotations. The pressure from coaches remained high, establishing clear expectations regardless of roster changes.
This accountability cultivated a stronger Charlotte team. The daily competition among backups and starters became a source of pride at Jerry Richardson Stadium, producing an effort that can translate on the road, as seen in Kenan Memorial Stadium. Coaches encouraged this competitive spirit, leading to productive film sessions that highlighted the effort essential for improvement.
Interactions between starters and backups facilitated a smooth process for addressing tactical adjustments, strengthened by the relationships formed off the field during team outings and shared living arrangements.
Ultimately, the Tar Heels took home the win in their first-ever matchup against Charlotte. However, the 49ers will have opportunities to make a statement in upcoming games against Gardner-Webb and East Carolina, starting next week against the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
Despite the challenges and visits to the training room, the signs of growth were unmistakable, leaving the team optimistic about their progress.
“I don’t need to check the stats,” Poggi affirmed. “I can see this team has improved significantly since the first week. We are on the right track.”
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