Charlotte football’s defense in focus as 49ers reach midway point of spring work

While the road was undoubtedly bumpy for Nate Faanes and Charlotte’s defense last season, there’s a growing sense of excitement for the 49ers as Faanes enters his second year as defensive coordinator.

Faanes, who followed head coach Tim Albin from Ohio after spending eight seasons on the Bobcats’ staff, got his first shot as defensive coordinator last year.

Fast-forward five months since the 2025 season concluded. The 49ers are now midway through their spring practice session and have introduced referees and scrimmage settings into the fold as Albin and Faanes look to find not just their best 11, but also the most versatile players who can check multiple boxes on defense.

And Faanes can see the progress, noting the group is much further along than last year — and won’t have to deal with an exodus of players in the portal with just one window this season.

“I leaned on our staff a lot, and continue to do that, because we have an unbelievable staff. Every game, you take something away from it. There are two or three calls in every game you’re going to want back,” Faanes told The Observer. “Overall, it’s how do we put these guys in the best position where they are prepared and can play fast. We’re certainly not a polished product, but as a defense, I feel like we’re further along at this point than where we were last year.”

With new faces scattered throughout the secondary and interior defensive line, Faanes has his work cut out for him with about five months until the season kicks off against The Citadel (Sept. 5).

Secondary focused on versatility

Despite much of Charlotte’s experience in the secondary moving on through graduation or the portal, Faanes is returning a few key pieces he expects to take big jumps in both production and snap counts this season.

“Starting with the guys that played a little bit last year, but aren’t as recognizable, are Collin Gill, Dy’Lon Womack and Cornell Allen,” Faanes said. “In their second year in the defense, they’re taking on their roles and expanding their knowledge of the game.”

Womack was the only early enrollee on the team last season, seeing 104 snaps as a true freshman. Albin and Faanes have praised Womack’s improvement since setting foot on campus, and this year’s team features 15 early enrollees, which they hope will follow suit.

It’s Albin and Faanes’ first full offseason with the program, and familiarity matters — especially in the portal era of college football.

“Shamar McIntosh, from Maryland, has done a great job so far at safety. He was Collin Gill’s teammate in high school, and I recruited both of them out of high school,” Faanes said. “Collin chose Oregon, and Shamar chose Maryland over Ohio, but I have known them, and that’s what you want out of the portal. I like where that room is at, both corner and safety.”

Gill played the most of any returning safety, seeing 365 snaps spanning multiple positions, including 197 snaps at nickel and 115 snaps in the box — and will continue to be utilized in multiple positions this season, likely in a much bigger role.

“Collin, Dy’Lon, and Shamar all fit that versatility mold. Collin can play linebacker in the box, can play man coverage in space, so it’s just figuring out the best place for him to make plays within the scheme. Those guys are versatile enough that they can do a lot of different things.”

And while Faanes delves into the new faces on the defense, finding the right pairings with the secondary’s returnees, the linebacker position is yet again a strength.

Quarterbacks of the defense

With Kadin Schmitz returning as the team’s leading tackler, and Gavin Willis stepping into a full-time starting role, Faanes has two “quarterbacks of the defense,” with Willis slated to wear the helmet mic on defense this season.

“Kadin Schmitz has been a leader and has done a nice job, and Gavin (Willis) has been wearing the green dot because he’s our mic linebacker. Both have worn it in the spring and have practiced it, but it will be Gavin in the fall,” Faanes said. “Gavin is extremely smart. His nickname is “The Robot.” He’s a joy to coach that way, and he knows all of the calls. He’s come a long way in that regard.”

Willis joined the 49ers in the spring of 2025 after two years at Bucknell, where he scored Second Team All-Patriot League honors in 2024. Willis played his best game as a 49er last season against Army, totaling 11 tackles.

While replacing Shay Taylor and Reid Williford will be a challenge, Faanes isn’t concerned about the linebacker room’s depth.

“I like where Gavin and Kadin are at. Stellan (Bowman) has done a nice job this spring,” Faanes said. “We’re going to have some depth there again, which is good.”

Charlotte 49ers open practice on deck

In lieu of a traditional spring game, Albin and the 49ers have elected to host an open practice on Saturday morning, April 18, followed by an on-field autograph session with the players and staff.

“Our guys have been working hard this offseason, and I really like the progress I have seen this spring,” said Albin. “The open practice will be a great opportunity for Niner Nation to come out to watch us work and spend some time with our players and coaches on the field after practice. We look forward to having our fans join us.”

The practice, open to fans and free of charge, runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 12:15 p.m., with the autograph session taking place promptly after practice concludes. Charlotte is passing out bricks from the original Jerry Richardson Stadium structure to the first 200 fans in attendance, with the stadium undergoing a $70 million renovation.

This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 6:30 AM.