Football

QB Kevin Olsen, brother of Panthers’ Greg, named Charlotte 49ers’ starter

By Bill Kiser

Correspondent

Updated April 21, 2016 7:39 PM

Charlotte quarterback Kevin Olsen (2) winds up to throw a pass during the 49ers first spring practice session, held Saturday, March 19, 2016. Olsen, a transfer from Riverside (Calif.) City College and the younger brother of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, was one of five quarterbacks vying for Charlotte’s starting job this season. CREDIT: Bill Kiser/Special to the Observer — Former Miami quarterback Kevin Olsen, brother of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, has been named the Charlotte 49ers’ starter ahead of Saturday’s spring football game. Bill Kiser Special to the Observer

Junior college transfer Kevin Olsen has been named the Charlotte 49ers’ starting quarterback for the 2016 season, head coach Brad Lambert said Thursday.

Olsen, the younger brother of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, transferred to Charlotte last December from Riverside (Calif.) City College, where he threw for 1,080 yards and 13 touchdowns in nine games.

Olsen beat out four other players for the 49ers’ starting spot. Concord native Hasaan Klugh, who transferred from N.C. A&T, will be his backup until 2015 starter Brooks Barden recovers from a broken collarbone.

Olsen, once one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits, originally committed to the University of Miami, redshirted in 2013 and left the school before the 2014 season.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:19 PM with the headline "QB Kevin Olsen, brother of Panthers’ Greg, named Charlotte 49ers’ starter."

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