Deshawn Purdie, recent starting QB for Charlotte 49ers, commits in-state to Wake Forest
The Charlotte 49ers’ former true freshman quarterback is staying in North Carolina.
Deshawn Purdie, who started in six games for Charlotte as an 18-year-old this season, announced his commitment to Wake Forest on social media Friday afternoon.
He’ll join the Demon Deacons in their first season under new head coach Jake Dickert, who announced the hiring of a quarterbacks coach on Thursday. Dan Enos most recently coached on the offensive staff at Florida, where Purdie reportedly committed roughly a month ago.
Purdie, who threw for more than 1,800 yards, initially committed to the Gators on Dec. 22. The documents Purdie had signed to indicate his intent to play at Florida had been withdrawn, On3 and several outlets reported Monday evening.
Purdie received an offer from Wake on Tuesday, according to his social media pages, and chose the Winston-Salem school over UNC, Auburn, Georgia and Mississippi State.
There is expected to be competition for the Demon Deacons’ starting job, as Purdie will head into a crowded quarterback room that includes recent South Carolina quarterback Robby Ashford and East Lincoln graduate Tyler Mizzell.
Max Brown commits to West Virginia
Former Charlotte 49ers starting quarterback Max Brown has a new home.
The 21-year-old standout announced his commitment to West Virginia University on social media Monday night.
Brown played in five games during his lone season at Charlotte, throwing for 561 yards and three touchdowns. He sustained a thumb injury during the Niners’ early-season game at North Carolina, derailing what would have been his first full season as a Division I starter.
A star on both the football and baseball fields while growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brown came to Charlotte with experience. Brown had previously made a start at Florida, where he completed most of his passes in the Gators’ annual rivalry game against Florida State.
He joins the Mountaineers as a redshirt junior, where he’ll compete for their starting job following the departure of fifth-year quarterback Garrett Greene.
This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 8:55 PM.
