What to watch for in 49ers’ spring football showcase

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

First-year Charlotte football coach Tim Albin will lead his first spring showcase April 19 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Football is back on University City Boulevard.

The Charlotte 49ers’ Spring Showcase on April 19 will quench fans’ anticipation for what the team looks like under first year coach Tim Albin. But what should they look for when Charlotte takes the field?

Here are three issues to keep an eye on:

1. Which quarterback looks ready to lead?

With the departures of Deshawn Purdie and Max Brown after last season, there were questions as to how the new coaching staff would address this issue. All three quarterbacks Albin brought in are viable options.

However, as spring practice ground along, it’s become a two-man battle as transfers Connor Harrell (North Carolina) and Grayson Loftis (Duke) have stood out. Harrell checks all the boxes when it comes to the type of offenses that Albin has utilized in the past. Loftis’ arm is one of the best to come through Charlotte.

How many snaps will each get in the showcase? That is to be determined, but these two are the ones to keep an eye on.

2. How does the defensive line look?

The 49ers had a handful of departures after last season, and now that the spring transfer portal is open, Charlotte lost more players who were expected to make an impact in 2025.

Both Colin Coates and D’Andre Martin announced their intentions to enter the portal on Monday within hours of each other. Coates played in 12 games last season with 14 tackles, half of them solo. Martin tallied 18 total tackles last season with five of them solo. 

The 49ers had coaching turnover before spring practice began where Vince Reynolds replaced Kurt Mattix as defensive tackles coach. Could this have led to some turnover? Who knows, but this is an area worth keeping an eye on.

3. Can the running backs keep defenses honest?

All the offseason talk on the offensive side has been about quarterbacks. But the 49ers have a stable of running backs that can cause opposing defensive coordinators to scratch their heads.

Albin was able to convince several to remove their name from the transfer portal, including Henry Rutledge and Rod Gainey Jr. Albin also added transfer Don Chaney Jr., who is 5-11 and 220 pounds. Prior to joining Charlotte, Chaney was at Louisville and Miami, where he appeared in 36 games with 11 appearances last year and over 1,000 yards rushing. 

It will be interesting to see how Albin utilizes that backfield depth. Or will they go with a primary back and everyone else is there to give him a breather? 

The Spring Showcase will begin immediately after the 49ers’ women’s lacrosse team finishes their game. So, expect it to get started around 3:30-4 p.m.

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