Charlotte blends high school recruits, transfers for rebuild

FLORIDA ATHLETICS

Max Brown, who backed up Florida quarterback Graham Mertz for most of the 2023 season, has transferred to Charlotte.

After producing just three wins in his first season, Charlotte football coach Biff Poggi took a much different approach to recruiting.

Instead of scrambling and pulling players from Baltimore St. Frances High School where Poggi once coached, the 49ers are more diligent in recruiting players that fit the mold Poggi envisions for the program. Charlotte signed 29 players on Dec. 20, the start of the early period.

“(It is an) exciting, exciting day,” Poggi told reporters. “As of this morning, according to the Transfer Portal Report, Charlotte is No. 5 in the nation, including Power Five and Group of Five, and No. 1 in the nation in the Group of Five. Our staff, starting with our recruiting staff, have done an unbelievable job finding and evaluating talent. It is an extremely talented class, and it fills the needs we needed to fill.”

One of those needs is quarterback.

The 49ers signed Max Brown, a Florida transfer. The 6-2, 220-pounder was Oklahoma District 3-3A MVP as a senior in 2021 at Tulsa Lincoln Christian School. He accounted for over 4,000 yards and 61 total touchdowns and led his team to a 13-1 record that year.

Brown, the backup to Gators’ starter Graham Mertz, played in four games in 2023, including starting in the regular season finale against rival Florida State. Brown threw for 86 yards against the Seminoles, completing 9-of-16 passes.

Brown committed to the 49ers seven days after entering the transfer portal early in December. Brown also plays baseball, although he will be focusing solely on football at Charlotte.

“(Brown) is a total program changer,” Poggi said. “It’s like saying you want an automobile, and you got a top-of-the-line Ferrari. That is what (he) is. His goal is to go to the NFL, and he will be a highly sought-after player. He was drafted by the (Chicago) White Sox in baseball. He is a shortstop. (He is) just a remarkable athlete. He was the key. I will say this: Max Brown helped put this class together.”

Poggi made it clear after taking the job that Charlotte would win with defense. However, after just scoring over 17 points per game, Poggi also wanted to address the offense. Along with a quarterback, he wanted linemen to protect him.

The 49ers made additions from the transfer portal from Power Five schools like Clemson, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Florida to help solidify the offensive line. Charlotte added a handful of other commits from high school and junior colleges as well.

While the portal gives, it also takes away. Running backs Durrell Robinson and Shadrick Byrd transferred and with Byrd recently declared his intent to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

Charlotte signed running backs Rod Gainey Jr. from Tampa Bay Tech High as well as Cartevious Norton, a transfer from Iowa State who is expected to make an immediate impact.

Gainey Jr. had 2605 rushing yards in his junior and senior year in high school with 14 touchdowns in both years. In 22 games, he had 15 games where he rushed for over 100 yards and can also be a receiving threat.

Norton was a three-star recruit out of high school and chose Iowa State over South Florida and Buffalo. He had 1,266 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior year while leading his team to a 9-2 record. He has battled injuries at Iowa State but played in eight games in 2022.

“The running back room is a key room,” Poggi said. “You all know I want to run the football. Cartevious Norton from Iowa State is just special. He is a big, fast back. I encourage you to look at his tape.”

What Brewster’s brewing on the recruiting trail

The 49ers announced the hiring of associate head coach and tight ends coach Tim Brewster. Brewster has been a head coach at the collegiate level for four years and spent five years as an NFL assistant. He has worked at seven Power Five schools.

“Tim is an excellent recruiter,” Poggi said. “He is able to both identify talent and get the most out of it. Over his career he has attracted and developed some of the biggest names in the sport. He is a big-time addition to our staff and I’m excited about what he can bring to Charlotte.”

When addressing the media on signing day, Poggi elaborated on just how valuable Brewster has been in just a few weeks.

“As far as recruiting, I’ve never seen anybody like him,” Poggi said. “He is a great analyzer of talent. He is a great motivator of the staff in recruiting. He is a great focuser on all energies in recruiting and he has a way with young people and their families that is sincere, honest and true. He is a secret weapon, man.”

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