49ers' spring practice debut: Excitement and work to do

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Connor Harrell, who made his first collegiate start at the 2023 Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte with North Carolina, is battling Duke transfer Grayson Loftis for the top quarterback at Charlotte.

Tim Albin’s first spring practice as Charlotte’s head coach is complete.

He told reporters afterwards there is still plenty of room for growth, as to be expected on the first day of practice. But he also added that his level of excitement and optimism is also very high.
“First day of practice, I tell you what, I love the energy, from the staff and players,” Albin said. “I think everybody’s eager and wanting to put their best foot forward.”

Albin faces the reality of roster turnover with many players from a season ago gone via the transfer portal, including quarterback DeShawn Purdie, who finished as the starter. Every program deals with that issue every year and won’t likely change soon. 

“That's where college football is,” Albin said. “As you guys know, there's gonna be lots of turnover in programs and we have it, but I think our first opponent has it. I think our second opponent probably has that, and so on. So, that's the environment we're in, and our staff's gonna have a plan, and we're gonna attack it.”

Albin gave shout-outs to a few player leaders who’ve stepped up over the offseason and first practice.

“You're gonna talk to [Ja’Qurious Conley], and Jonny [King],” Albin said.  “I mean elite guys, just great men, great teammates… I want to give a shout out to Jalar Holly, defensive tackle. Just a warrior. I'm very happy, proud of him and his progress off the field as well as on the field”.

Conley, a 6-1 defensive back, who had to deal with eligibility hurdles a season ago after transferring from North Carolina, said it is good to be back for a full season.

“Last year was pretty hard for me personally,” Conley said, “but I put things in the rear-view mirror and just look to the next day.”

Conley added that he notices an immediate difference between Albin’s first practice and last year under Biff Poggi, who was fired with three games remaining in the 2024 campaign.

“I feel like it was more so just, more energy and effort,” Conley said. “I feel like that's more important on the first day, we’re gonna make mistakes. Everybody is going to make mistakes on the first day. That's easy to get cleaned up. So, today there's just more soldiers making sure that everybody is paying attention to detail.”

While the 49ers may have lost their top three quarterbacks from a season ago, Charlotte hit the transfer portal to replace them with a pair from Triangle ACC schools. Connor Harrell is a redshirt junior who played at North Carolina. Grayson Loftis, a redshirt sophomore played at Duke. Both quarterbacks have unique skill sets and Albin is enjoying the challenge of determining who will win the starting job.

“It is the first day, I’d like to watch the film,” Albin said. “Knock on wood, I don’t know if we had a turnover today. Charlotte doesn’t beat Charlotte, so, I’ve got to watch the film, but I want great competition and great leadership. It’s going to be an ongoing battle. It should be an interesting one.” 

Conley, the defensive back, said it is going to be a battle at quarterback because everyone in the room is unique. 

“So far, I think that's gonna be a tough group, a real competitive group,” he said. “I’ve played with Connor before, so I’ve seen him in action. I haven't got to see the other two guys… but so far, I feel like it's a competitive group.”
Asked whether he was ready to face his old team when North Carolina comes to town, Conley didn’t mince words. 

“I can’t wait to play them,” he said.

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