Here’s what the Charlotte 49ers’ football depth chart could look like vs. App State
The Charlotte 49ers won’t announce their first two-deep depth chart until next week, a few days before their season opener Sept. 12 at Appalachian State (noon, ESPN2).
But we don’t want to wait. The Observer took a stab at how that depth chart might look, based on observations from practices, scrimmages and comments from coach Will Healy:
Offense
Quarterback: Chris Reynolds, Dom Shoffner.
The skinny: Reynolds is the clear No. 1, but Healy says (without being specific) there will be a place in the offense for JUCO transfer Shoffner.
Running back: Tre Harbison, Aaron McCallister.
The skinny: This is almost a 1 and 1A situation, with grad transfer Harbison and McAllister likely splitting time. Healy has gone out of his way not to say that either one has won the starting job. Also, look for junior Calvin Camp and true freshman Chavon McEachern to see playing time.
Receiver 1: Victor Tucker, Justin Jeffery.
Receiver 2: Cam Dollar, Micaleous Elder.
Receiver 3: Rico Arnold, Tyler Ringwood.
The skinny: Charlotte has a wealth of options here. Tucker, Dollar, Ringwood and Elder all caught at least 20 passes last season. Tucker (52 for 909 yards and seven TDs) is the leader and Arnold (22 catches in 2018) returns after missing 2019 with an ankle injury. And going 5-wide is an option in new offensive coordinator Mark Carney’s system.
Tight end: Jacob Hunt, Ryan Carriere.
The skinny: Charlotte doesn’t use the tight end much in its offense, but Hunt, Carriere and Christian Roberson are reliable and experienced.
Left tackle: D’Mitri Emmanuel, Dejan Rasuo.
Left guard: Jonathan Timmons, Gage Welborn.
Center: Jaelin Fisher, Hunter Kelly.
Right guard: Ashton Gist, Jon Jacobs.
Right tackle: Ty’kieast Crawford, Arabee Muslim.
The skinny: The 49ers were hit the hardest by graduation on the offensive line, but the additions of talented freshman Crawford, JUCO transfer Gist and grad transfers Kelly and Jacobs soften the blow. Healy says returners Fisher and Emmanuel are playing at a “ridiculously high level.” There’s also a lot of versatility with this group.
Defense
Left end: Markees Watts, Damon Weldon.
Tackle: Siah Sa’o, Bryan Wallace.
Tackle: Timmy Horne, Rayshaad Roddy.
Right end: Tyriq Harris, Corey Mobley.
The skinny: Sa’o, a transfer from Vanderbilt, and JUCO transfer Roddy bring much-needed depth to the interior line, which was a problem position last season. Watts and Harris form a strong defensive end combo.
SAM linebacker: Tyler Murray, Jaylon Sharpe.
MIKE linebacker: Luke Martin, Brelin Faison-Walden.
The skinny: Murray, a transfer from Troy, is a key addition. Healy is looking for somebody to step forward to handle the MIKE duties (which includes calling plays and getting the defense set up).
Nickle: Jonnie Pittman, Ja’Cione Fugate.
Cornerback: Lance McMillan, Shedrick Ursery.
Free safety: Ben DeLuca, Matt Martinez.
Strong safety: Antone Williams, Solomon Rogers.
Cornerback: Nafees Lyon, Daj’eun Gibson.
The skinny: A lot of experience in the defensive backfield, especially with DeLuca returning from injury.
Special teams
Kicker: Jonathan Cruz, Max Blitstein.
Punter: Connor Bowler, Zach Nicholson.
Long snapper: Doug McLaughlin, Sam DeLuke.
Kick returner: Aaron McAllister, Micaleous Elder.
Punt returner: Nafees Lyon, Victor Tucker.
The skinny: Special teams were a problem last season and are a priority for Healy, who hired a new assistant in Charles Bankins to straighten things out.
49ers notes
▪ Charlotte’s athletics department reported Tuesday that there were 395 coronavirus tests conducted last week of athletes, coaches and staff with two positives. Since June 10, there have been 1,691 tests with 10 positives for .59% positivity rate.
▪ Charlotte’s game Sept. 19 at North Carolina will have a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on a regional sports network that’s yet to be determined. Fans won’t be allowed in Kenan Stadium due to coronavirus concerns.
▪ Conference USA announced Monday that football players will be tested for the coronavirus three times a week. Also, all game-day and operations staff must meet NCAA and C-USA policy guidelines for testing.
This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 3:47 PM.