Charlotte football aiming for second bowl berth in program history in 2020
Charlotte looking for explosive passing offense
The 49ers had one of the better offenses in the conference due to their devotion to the spread-option style of play. They have a similar attack of an option attack that matches the Oklahoma Sooners last season with Heisman Trophy runner-up quarterback Jalen Hurts.
With Mark Carney coming in as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the 49ers are hoping for a more traditional, yet aggressive, form of offensive play.
The 49ers return six starters from last year’s team that was ranked 59th (fourth in the conference) in points per game (29.8) and 56th (fourth in the conference) in total yards per game (414.5).
They were better at running the ball due to their spread-option look and the experience at the running back position. The 49ers were ranked first in the conference (31st in the nation) in rushing yards per game (203). They will need to use the remaining offseason to address their new starters and change their intensity of driving the ball down the field.
Charlotte returns its top playmaker and future leader on offense in quarterback Chris Reynolds. Last season, he broke records as he was one of the most efficient players in program history. He passed for 2,564 yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions on 181 completions (out of 291 attempts). He also rushed for 791 yards and six touchdowns.
With the 49ers looking to be more aggressive with their deep passing, they could see a lot more success in explosive plays. Reynolds was selected to Athlon Sports’ preseason second-team All-C-USA.
The offense must replace a key player at running back after losing Ben LeMay. For the past two seasons, LeMay has rushed for at least 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns for the 49ers.
They do have great options to take over the starting spot in 2020. Three-time backup running back in Aaron McAllister returns to provide continual impact in the backfield. They bring in former Northern Illinois back Ter Harbison who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.
Reynolds will be happy with the offense in 2020 as the 49ers return three of their top wide wide outs. The wide receiver and tight end position group ranks first overall by Athlon Sports in the conference based on the amount of experience and impact returning.
Victor Tucker will lead the receivers again this season. In 2019, Tucker caught 52 passes for 909 touchdowns and seven touchdowns. Receiver Cameron Dollar (41 receptions for 599 yards and five touchdowns) and tight end Jacob Hunt (six receptions for 33 yards and two touchdowns) return as starters. Tyler Ringwood is entering his first full season as well.
The offensive line will require careful rebuilding for the 2020 season as they return two starters from last year’s team.
Center Jaelin Fisher will be an instrumental leader and key blocker once again for the 49ers as he returns for his third season as a starter. He was named first-team All-C-USA last season as well as Athlon Sports’ preseason first-team All-C-USA for 2020. D’Mitri Emmanuel returns likely as the starting right tackle despite starting some games at right guard. Jonathan Timmons will likely start at the left guard after playing 10 games with one start there. There will likely be decisions on who starts at left tackle and right guard are Malik Harkness and Dejan Rasuo.
Last season, the 49ers only gave up 21 sacks throughout the season but they know that number can be reduced.