Inside the Charlotte 49ers football QB room: Competition to be No. 1 is strong

Saturday afternoon’s open practice ushered in Charlotte’s final week of spring ball, as the gates of Jerry Richardson Stadium swung open to give fans their first close look at Tim Albin’s second-year roster.

Just as the massive crane and sprawling construction equipment dominating the stadium concourse were impossible to miss, so too were Charlotte’s quarterbacks, unmistakable in their red practice jerseys.

After a turbulent 2025 season at the quarterback position, marred by injuries, shaky decision making, and constant pressure, the signal-caller room returns with valuable experience, bolstered by two newcomers who have already made a strong early impression.

Returning starters Grayson Loftis and Conner Harrell are back for another season in Todd Fitch’s offense, though Harrell is working his way back from a significant knee injury suffered in September that included ACL and meniscus tears, along with a sprained MCL. Charlotte also added two intriguing newcomers in Western Carolina/Pittsburgh transfer Cole Gonzales and true freshman Jaylen White, both of whom have impressed the coaching staff during spring practice.

With the spring session winding down, and just over four months until Charlotte’s season opens with The Citadel, get to know Charlotte’s quarterback room.

Here’s an Observer exclusive with Charlotte’s top four quarterbacks.

Cole Gonzales — No. 9 — 6 feet, 200 pounds

Hunter Bailey: After three years at Western Carolina and a year in the ACC at Pittsburgh, why did you choose Charlotte?

CG: “I came down here last spring, and I got big-eyed about going to Oklahoma last year because my dad is a college football coach and I grew up in the SEC. I ended up following my old offensive coordinator, Cade Bell, to Pittsburgh. I have a longtime family relationship with Todd Fitch; he actually coached my dad under Urban Meyer at Colorado State. It’s kind of full circle, and I think trust in this day and age is a big thing.”

HB: For someone who hasn’t seen your game, talk about what you bring to the field at quarterback.

CG: “I’m used to throwing the ball around the park. A lot of RPOs, getting the ball to my playmakers. I like extending plays, finding guys who are open and throwing it deep.”

HB: Talk about the wideouts and what you’ve seen from the team’s playmakers through spring.

CG: “Jaylen Hampton has come a long way. Big body kid who is physical and uses his hands well. Derrick Eley has done an outstanding job; he’s a shifty slot. Jaden Barnes has done a great job picking up the offense. I think we’ve got a lot of athletic guys, and we may not be the biggest, but they’ve got to catch up and play fast with us.”

HB: You’ve played in explosive offenses at two different levels of football. How does Todd Fitch’s offense compare and contrast?

CG: “Coming from a high explosive offense to what they are doing here was a privilege. It’s a lot of pressure, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I might not throw for 4,000 yards, but all I care about is winning games, and if that’s what they are training me to do, I want to do it to the best of my ability.”

Grayson Loftis — No. 12 — 6-foot-3, 215 pounds

HB: Talk about what it has been like in year two under Tim Albin and Todd Fitch.

GL: “It’s the first year that I’ve gone back to back in the same offense. The first parts of the reads and footwork are kind of second nature now. Getting through things faster and learning more and more from (Todd) Fitch in year two.”

HB: A mix of returnees and new faces in the receiving room. Who has stood out so far?

GL: “Derrick Eley became a really big part of the offense last season toward the end, and you can see the comfort level (this year). (Adam) Hopkins has had a great spring. Super talented and super athletic. Then the guys we added, Jaden Barnes and Tank Boston, really add a lot of value with different skill sets.”

HB: Clearly, adding size was a focus up front. How has that group looked through spring?

GL: “They did a great job bringing guys for us to compete at this level. The American is one heck of a conference, as we found out last year. There’s a path to the playoff, and you’ve got to have guys up front who can walk that path for you.”

HB: What went into your decision to come back for a second year with Albin and the 49ers?

GL: “It’s a belief in what Coach Albin is doing. He’s the most genuine and honest college football coach I’ve ever been around. I think he has a plan for Charlotte, and it was a belief in him.

Conner Harrell — No. 15 — 6-foot-2, 210 pounds

HB: How has your recovery been going this offseason into the spring?

CH: “I feel good. Running well, just started sprinting today. It’s a tough injury for anyone who goes through it. I tore my ACL, both menisci in my left knee, and sprained my MCL. The trifecta.”

HB: What has it been like getting back on the field, but not being able to do everything you’re accustomed to doing?

CH: “Being out here, not being able to do reps, being limited is tough. You want to do it really badly, but you can’t. You realized how much you love football. I’m itching, asking what I can do. (The staff) has to protect me a little bit, but it’s going well.”

HB: Are there any plays that stick with you from last season?

CH: There are a couple of plays that stick with me, and I think about those more than the highlights. The pick in the two-minute drill against Appalachian State. You love those moments as a quarterback, but just made a bad decision.

Jaylen White — No. 10 — 6 feet, 200 pounds

HB: What got you into the game of football?

JW: “I started playing at 4 years old. My mom just put me in it because I was just messing around so much, and she wanted me out of the house. Since I was 12, I really took it seriously. Watching a lot of film and players. Just really honed in and want to play in the NFL.”

HB: How did you land at Charlotte after playing your high school ball in Clearwater, Florida?

JW: “I only took one official visit, but when I got here, I realized the campus was beautiful. Culture is pretty good, and Albin does a great job.”

HB: It’s a learning process going from the speed of high school to college, but for a fan who has never seen your game, what makes it unique?

JW: “I’d say I am a true dual threat. I can use my legs, but I always look to pass first. Really, a playmaker that can make something out of nothing. Just play football.”