Bowl Eligibility
That’s right; for the first time in school history the Charlotte 49ers are eligible to compete for a bowl bid. To be eligible, the 49ers need to accumulate six wins – get the 2016 schedule here.
Should they do this, the 49ers could land in any of the following bowls that have ties to Conference USA:
Bowl Schedule
- Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Dec. 17
- R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Dec. 17
- Marmot Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20
- Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, Dec. 23
- Hawai’i Bowl, Dec. 24
- Camping World Independence Bowl, Dec. 26
- Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, Dec. 27
A New QB
Head coach Brad Lambert named Kevin Olsen as the Charlotte 49ers starting quarterback during the spring season. Olsen, the younger brother of the Carolina Panthers’ Greg Olsen, joined the 49ers after the 2015 season as a transfer from Riverside City College in California. A four-star recruit out of high school, who originally signed with the University of Miami, Olsen started the 49ers spring game.
(Pictured: Kevin Olsen)
Ogunjobi Earning National Attention
Red-shirt senior defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi is considered one of the best in the country. He holds the 49ers career records for tackles, tackles for loss (TFL) and sacks. Last year, he tied for second in Conference USA with 14.5 TFL. This year, he is on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award (college football’s best defensive player) and the Outland Trophy (college football’s best interior lineman).
(Pictured: Larry Ogunjobi)
Running Back Depth
Last year Kalif Phillips was the epitome of a workhorse. His 190 carries tied for first in Conference USA during the regular season. He finished third in the conference, just seven carries shy of the league lead. During the 49ers first nine games, Phillips averaged over 20.0 carries per game. He ranked fifth in the league with 961 rushing yards (87.4 yds/gm). In 2016, Phillips will have more support with the arrival of converted QB Matt Johnson in the backfield and the addition of newcomers Robert Washington and Ben LeMay. Washington is the first four-star recruit to sign with the 49ers out of high school, and LeMay, younger brother of wideout Uriah, is a three-star recruit out of local Butler High. Both are similar to Phillips in running style and should offer Phillips the opportunity to catch a few more breathers during the season.
(Pictured: Kalif Phillips)
The Trailblazers
They wanted to be groundbreaking. They wanted to build something special. They wanted to make history – and they did. Charlotte’s first class of players joined the team in 2012, and now 19 of them are enjoying their fifth and final year with the program. The 19 players have given Niner Nation the rock-solid foundation they promised. They established the culture that is 49ers football - one of hard work, sacrifice and team.
This season, the University honors the first class of 49er football:
Jamal Covington, Daquan Lucas, Jarred Barr, EJ Rhinehart, Lee McNeill, Brandon Banks, Thomas La Bianca, Matt Johnson, Larry Ogunjobi, Stephen Muscarello, Hayden Pezzoni, Cameron Curlings, Austin Duke, Devin Clegg, Zach Bumgarner, Justin Bolus, Casey Perry, Kyle Hoffman, Terrance Winchester
Tailgate Village and Homecoming Weekend
Tailgate Village
Make it easy on yourself and join Tailgate Village at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion prior to each game. Enjoy food, drink, music and family-friendly activities as you get front row seats to the team walk along 49er Way. Tickets and season passes are available now.
Homecoming Weekend
Mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 14- 15, when the 49ers square off against Florida International. Friday night opens the weekend with activities including a pep rally, the Festival of Lights Parade, the third annual Green and White Crawl, Alumni Soccer Night and the Greek Alumni Stroll. Saturday’s Alumni Tailgate starts at 2:30 PM, kickoff is at 6:00 PM., followed by the fourth annual Octoberfest and the Official After Party.