The Charlotte 49ers started the season off right with an impressive 34-10 win over Forham and some new milestones.
RB Benny LeMay became the third 49er in school history to reach 1,000 career rushing yards. LeMay rushed for 135 yards to give him 1,042 in his career. LeMay ranks third all-time in rushing behind Kalif Phillips (4,020) and Matt Johnson (1,273). And with 60 receiving yards, WR Workpeh Kofa (909 career receiving yards) is now 91 receiving yards shy of 1,000 in his career (three 49ers have eclipsed that mark: Austin Duke, Trent Bostick, TL Ford).
Read more about what the 49ers are bringing to the field this season:
Experience and Depth
In 2018, the Charlotte 49ers football team is all about the numbers. Seventeen returning starters. Two hundred twenty-five career starts among them. More than 70 starts on the offensive line. And more than 40 on the defensive line.
Players responsible for 1,722 of the 49ers 1,995 rushing yards return. And those who contributed 950 of the 49ers 1,648 receiving yards. Two hundred-tackle defenders. Seven of its top eight most productive tacklers. The 49ers have not had this type of experience since its first class filled the lineup card and produced the program’s first three C-USA wins in 2016.
Four returning starters occupy the offensive line: Nate Davis, Chris Brown, Darren Drake and Cameron Clark. Hasaan Klugh and Benny LeMay in the backfield. Workpeh Kofa, Mark Quattlebaum and R.J. Tyler with the receivers.
On defense, Tyler Fain and Tyriq Harris lead the line. Jeff Gemmell (right) and Juwan Foggie anchor the linebackers. Ed Rolle and Ben DeLuca lead the secondary.
Many have started for two years. Davis has started for three. Twenty-two players have at least five starts under their belt.
Newcomers and breakouts
Experience is just part of the picture. Newcomers and breakout performers also abound.
Charlotte has a cadre of young receiving talent with Victor Tucker, Cameron Bent, Cameron Dollar, Rico Arnold and Tyler Ringwood. The offensive line will welcome contributions from rising stars Jaelin Fisher, and newcomer Dominic Taylor. First-year 49er Evan Shirreffs will battle for the starting quarterback job after transferring from Miami. Aaron McAllister already has proven his worth in teaming up with star back Benny LeMay (left).
Defensively, be on the lookout for tackles Timmy Horne (6'5", 311 lbs.) and Dantrell Barkley (6'4", 285 lbs.) and the emergence of linebackers Alex Highsmith and Anthony Butler, who both made sizeable impacts in 2017. In the secondary, newcomer D.J. Anderson, a junior college transfer, bolsters an already veteran unit.
Adding power
Bigger, stronger, faster and older. The 2018 version of Charlotte 49ers football has added size, strength and speed, but perhaps the most important intangible heading into the season is age.
Charlotte has added offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery and defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer. The defense will move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme, primarily.
Priority will be placed on improving third-down play -- both offensively and defensively. A veteran offensive line and a new defensive formation designed to apply pressure make both goals feasible.
A more efficient and versatile passing game complement an already solid running game, while an attacking defensive front matches a star-studded linebacking corps and experienced secondary.
Which leads the 49ers to the most important numbers. Expect Charlotte’s offense to be more dynamic. Expect its defense to be more stingy. And, when it's all said and done--those numbers can translate to the most important number of all -- wins.
Tailgating
Fans of the Charlotte 49ers are invited to join the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association before every home game for a sumptuous tailgate experience.
Alumni Tailgate Village
Alumni Tailgate Village features:
- Delicious game-day themed food stations
- Open bar with a variety of beer and wine selections, water and ice-cold soft drinks
- Music and family-friendly games
- Visits by Norm, the 49er cheerleaders and the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band
Alumni Tailgate Village opens two and a half hours before kickoff for each home football game and runs for two hours.
Tailgate Guys
The 49ers also are partnering with Tailgate Guys to offer fans a full game-day tailgating experience, even if they arrive via the light rail.
Tailgate Guys are able to accommodate a party of five or a party of 105. They set up the tents, tables and chairs and offer a number of amenities and services to customize the experience: food and beverages; coolers and ice; cups, plates and utensils; and TV and media packages. You decide how elaborate the setup and they take care of the rest, including clean up.
No matter how you get to campus or where you park, you can still enjoy a great tailgating experience just steps away from the stadium.