Charlotte Football: Can 49ers resume progress that was being made?

Defense remains a huge question mark heading into 2021

While the offense should be a very good unit for Charlotte in 2021, the defense has a lot of questions to answer. It was just a dreadful unit from top to bottom and there were not a lot of good takeaways, The good news is that there is nowhere to go but up.

The one starter that is back on the defensive is Markees Watts. Watts led the team in sacks last season and is expected to again in 2021. Alongside Watts, look for Notre Dame transfer Kofi Wardlow to get the start on the other edge spot. On the interior, Charlotte has another Iowa State transfer in Joshua Bailey and the other tackle should be senior Siah Sa’o.

The linebackers are another unit that is going to have its fair share of transfers as well. Justin Whisenhunt is coming from Troy and I expect him to compete right away. The other two starters are going to be seniors Luke Martin and Tyler Murray. Both of those guys are going to have to improve because Charlotte ranked 109th in rushing defense last season.

The secondary is going to look different than it did last season. Safety Jonathan Alexander is transferring in from Kansas State and should play right away. Shedrick Ursery and Lance McMillan are going to be the starters at corner, while Davondre Robinson should slot in at the other safety.

The defense is going to rely on an influx of transfers to help them take another step forward, but that is a lot to expect in 2021.