Inside Charlotte 49ers football’s first week of 2026 spring practice
The first week of spring practice has come and gone for coach Tim Albin and the Charlotte 49ers, who put on pads for the first time Saturday morning.
Despite no true “live” periods, the energy was high for Albin’s Year 2 roster, with linebacker Kadin Schmitz’s playlist pumping a mix of Limp Bizkit, Deftones, Eminem, BigXthaPlug, and even some Pearl Jam as the sun shined down on Richardson Stadium.
There were hundreds of recruits and family members in the stands and on the sidelines for the 49ers’ junior day, taking in the practice and meeting with Albin and position coaches.
Here is the first edition of The Observer’s Charlotte football spring notebook.
Improved defense, depth
Fitting for Schmitz’s curating the practice’s playlist, which changes daily, Albin raved about his returning depth in the room.
“I like (Schmitz’s) leadership ability. He’s flying around and has leaned up a little bit. He’s moving better because he’s settled in. I’m very pleased with where Gavin (Willis) is at, too. Those two guys in there are different,” Albin told The Observer. “Behind them are Stellan (Bowman) and Parker (Startz). We’re going to have some depth (at linebacker).”
Schmitz and Willis return as Charlotte’s leading tacklers, with Schmitz leading the way with 65 tackles, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions a season ago. And with linebackers Shay Taylor and Reid Williford graduating, Willis has taken command of the second inside linebacker position.
Schmitz spoke highly of Willis during an offseason appearance on the Highway 49 Podcast, highlighting the returning linebacker as a player to watch, as well as a litany of returnees on Nate Faanes’ defense.
“We got to see flashes (last year), and he’s an extremely sound linebacker. He’s a stud,” Schmitz said of Willis. “Up front, we didn’t get to see Macyo Williams much this year, and DJ Burgess is an animal. Curtis Simpson is going to be special, I fully believe. Dy’Lon Womack in the back, and Jaylon Johnson. We have a lot of young talent and a lot of guys, and another year to jell together is only going to do us good.”
A rejuvenated Tim Albin
Saturday was a big day of schematic installs for the defense, Albin said. And the new singular transfer portal has rejuvenated the 61-year-old head coach.
“It’s a relief. It’s made the game more exciting, and I’ve got more energy knowing that this is our team. We know we’re not going to lose a bunch of guys. I’m just overly excited with that opportunity,” Albin said of the new portal rules, which closed in January. “From a coaching standpoint, you’re teaching, coaching and developing these guys — and they’re still here. It’s refreshing. What you’re putting in, you know you’re going to get the return.”
And Charlotte is currently getting former 5-star prospect and Penn State transfer J’Ven Williams up to speed. He will protect the quarterback’s blind side at left tackle when September rolls around.
Albin referenced opposing teams being heavier and more talented in the trenches a season ago, so adding the 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle, among other new additions, was a top priority.
“(Williams) is very athletic. Without us going live, it’s hard to see. As an offensive line group, we are different from last season,” Albin said. “Today was our first day in one-on-one pass rush with pads, and I saw (Williams) sit down and shut it down. (The defender) tried to go down the middle of him, and he put a stop to it. Dropped his anchor and held it, which is very exciting. We struggled with that last year.”
New quarterbacks are getting plenty of reps
The 49ers’ offensive line was abysmal a season ago, missing center Jonny King for much of the season. And the struggles up front affected what was already troublesome quarterback play after Conner Harrell’s knee injury in Week 4.
Albin is confident the offensive line will improve this season, allowing the signal callers to take command of the offense.
Harrell was again out at practice without a knee brace, working through individual periods with the other quarterbacks — but not a part of team activities or any live action, according to Albin.
“(Harrell) has had a big jump in the last two weeks. I saw him hit a gear that I hadn’t seen yet today, on the side, doing his rehab with our training staff. He’s making almost all the throws in individual, but nothing in team,” Albin said of his 2025 season-opening starter. “Every day, we can see whether he’ll be ready by August. We won’t know as this progresses, but I certainly know there’s nothing else he can do to speed up the process. He wants to go now, but he’s just not ready.”
And while Harrell continues his rehab, newcomer Cole Gonzales has been working with the first team, along with returner Grayson Loftis, who started seven games last season.
Gonzales is certainly a name to watch in Charlotte’s quarterback battle, throwing for 6,682 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions spanning three years at Western Carolina. The sixth-year senior saw limited action last season in the ACC with Pittsburgh, serving as the Panthers’ third-string quarterback and tossing just 22 passes on the year.
Albin on new Charlotte men’s basketball coach Wes Miller
“I haven’t had a chance to meet Wes in person. He did an outstanding job in his press conference. I didn’t realize the ties he has to the area, and that’s very exciting for our fan base,” Albin said of the 49ers’ new men’s basketball coach. “We’ll invite him to practice, and I have been through what he’s going through right now — drinking through a firehose now, just like athletic director (Kevin) White. It’ll settle down, and he’ll get it going. I’m excited for Niner Nation.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Inside Charlotte 49ers football’s first week of 2026 spring practice."