How the quarterback competition is progressing at Charlotte 49ers’ spring workouts
It all comes back to one position. The individual that gets copious amounts of praise when met with success and endless blame when failure creeps in.
It’s the quarterback, the team’s leader.
It’s a position that Charlotte 49ers coach Tim Albin has years of experience developing. And it’s something that Charlotte fans have likened to a revolving door over the past two seasons.
The leash was extremely tight under former coach Biff Poggi and his staff. One mistake, miscue, or bad read would initiate a switch at the most crucial position on the field, rippling through all 11 individuals and contributing to one of the worst turnover margins in the nation since 2023.
Now, with an offense that could feature up to 10 new starters, Albin is faced with an inexperienced group.
Midway through the spring session, it’s all about getting on the same page for 49ers offensive coordinator Todd Fitch.
“We’re a very inexperienced offensive group. Not a lot of in-game snaps. So, those guys who have played have to be the calming force. Luckily, all three of the quarterbacks have played in Division I — and have had starts,” Fitch told The Observer. “These three are all intelligent guys and can take it from the meeting room to the field. They’re all doing a good job protecting the ball, and that’s great to see.”
Albin has assured the trio of transfers a fair battle at the starting job without making any promises — a different story from seasons past, much to Duke transfer Grayson Loftis’ liking.
“We knew coming in that it was going to be a quarterback competition, and Coach Albin assured that it would be fair,” Loftis told The Observer. “That’s really what I was excited for — getting in with Conner and Zack (Wilcke) — two great guys and two great quarterbacks. Being able to compete with those guys and pick their minds.”
Loftis (Duke), Conner Harrell (UNC) and Zach Wilcke (NW Mississippi CC) are Albin’s trio of transfers who will battle for the starting job, along with returnee Tanner Bushee, who didn’t see the field last season.
With former 49ers quarterbacks DeShawn Purdie (Wake Forest), Max Brown (West Virginia) and Trexler Ivey (retired) departed, Albin and Fitch are starting fresh.
“It’s the install of a completely new system. It’s a blend of a couple of different things I’ve done, and Coach Albin’s offense, obviously,” Fitch said. “These guys are all learning from ground zero. The good thing about it is that everybody’s learning how it’s done. We’ve got their attention, and they’re all working very hard together.”
The Observer spoke with all three transfer quarterbacks about their decisions to join the 49ers, their unique skill sets and the competition through two weeks of spring practice.
Conner Harrell
Redshirt junior, 6-2, 210. Previous program: UNC
Hunter Bailey: What has your experience at Charlotte been like so far?
Conner Harrell: It’s been awesome. I love the people and love the coaches. It’s a great environment. I’m excited to be here and excited to have the opportunity. I’m just ready to play and ball out.
HB: You’ve got a familiar face in the secondary from your time in Chapel Hill in Ja’Qurious Conley. What’s that relationship like?
CH: JQ (Conley) is awesome, and JO (Jake Owen). We got some guys from Chapel Hill. These guys are hard workers and really good players. Excited to have them on the team.
HB: For someone who hasn’t seen your game, what do you think you bring to the quarterback position at Charlotte?
CH: I feel like I can do anything on the field. I can make any throw and take what the defense gives me. I’m a great decision-maker and great on the run. I can do whatever the defense gives me, and I think it’s hard to stop when it’s done right.
HB: There’s a long time between now and then (Sept. 6), but you’ve got your former school (UNC) on the schedule this year. Are you looking forward to that matchup?
CH: Yeah, I am. I definitely got them circled. I’ve got friends over there. It’ll be an awesome game, and I’m excited about that.
HB: Talking about this quarterback battle now, you’ve got three guys coming in. What’s it been like working with that group and Coach Fitch?
CH: Coach Fitch is a great coach. Those (quarterbacks) are great. They push me to be a better quarterback, and that’s all you can ask for.
Grayson Loftis
Redshirt sophomore, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Previous program: Duke
Hunter Bailey: What went into your decision to transfer to Charlotte after two seasons with Duke?
Grayson Loftis: We were looking for an opportunity to compete, and we didn’t feel like Duke was a place we were going to do that any longer. I had a couple of conversations with Clay Finney (director of player personnel) and Coach Albin and really liked it. Super genuine, honest conversation about Charlotte and what his goals were. I loved it. I left his office and committed an hour later.
HB: What have been your first impressions during spring ball?
GL: We’ve got a great team. A great locker room full of great guys. This group loves to compete. We’ve seen that over time through the winter, and especially the first week of spring ball. Coaches Albin and Fitch, especially on offense, are fostering this environment of competing and it’s been a great time.
HB: What has it been like learning Fitch and his system?
GL: It’s been great. He’s a great football coach; he’s been around for a long time. I truly feel like I’m getting better playing for him, whether it be little things or big-picture football things. He doesn’t skip over any details, so it’s been a great time getting to learn him and play under him.
Zach Wilcke
Redshirt junior, 6-3, 205. Previous program: NW Mississippi CC
Hunter Bailey: You’ve been working with former Charlotte quarterback turned quarterbacks coach Chris Reynolds. What’s that been like?
Zach Wilcke: Me and Chris have worked out a handful of times. He knows what he’s talking about for sure with weight distribution and arm care — he knows everything. He knows ball. He was a really good player here, and I’m looking forward to keeping on working out with him.
HB: What’s it been like being at Charlotte so far, and what went into your decision to join the 49ers?
ZW: Coach Albin was my first offer when he was at Ohio. He came over here to Charlotte, and I had some smaller schools offer me, and it was kind of a no-brainer. I had four Northwest (Mississippi) guys come with me. It was a no-brainer for where I wanted to be over the next two years. I’m looking forward to it.
HB: How has it been through two weeks? I understand that you all are splitting the reps.
ZW: I feel like we’re all picking up (the offense) really well. We’ve got some smart guys in there, as far as Conner (Harrell), Grayson (Loftis), me and Tanner (Bushee). I’m looking forward to competing and seeing where it goes.
HB: For someone who hasn’t seen your game, what do you think you bring to the quarterback position at Charlotte?
ZW: I feel like I’m really accurate. I can make plays on the move, and I’m a good leader as well.