College Football: 10 schools likely to bounce back in 2022
By Dante Pryor
9. Charlotte 49ers
2021 Record: (5-7, 3-5 CUSA)
Key Departures: n/a
Returning Starters: Chris Reynolds (quarterback), Grant DuBose (wide receiver), Shadrick Byrd (running back), Calvin Camp (running back)
Key Newcomers: Amir Siddiq (transfer, linebacker), Wayne Jones (transfer, linebacker)
Why Charlotte bounces back: Charlotte bounces back this college football season because they return everyone. The defense is full of experienced upperclassmen and should be better than they were last season when they allowed 34 points per game.
The 49er defense has to be better, however. Defensive end Markees Watts is the only defender who had more than two sacks. The front seven also allowed over five yards per rush attempt. The difference between getting back to a bowl game and going 5-7 again will be the defense.
Offensively, the 49ers have one of the better offenses in Conference USA. Quarterback Chris Reynolds is one of the best in CUSA, and the one-two punch of Shadrick Byrd and Calvin Camp is also one of the best in CUSA.
The offense is balanced but does need an explosive perimeter player. Because it’s explosive, the offense has to be methodical too often. Incoming freshman Reggie Givhan could provide some perimeter speed they sorely need.
Expect the 49ers to be in the hunt in CUSA.