Lambert working to get 49ers on track
While some programs have thrived soon after moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision level, Charlotte’s transition has been much bumpier.
The 49ers are entering their sixth season as a program and fourth at the FBS level, but they have yet to post a winning campaign. The team endured its worst year in 2017, posting a 1-11 record.
The lack of sustained success and a tough schedule are two reasons Charlotte is ranked No. 125 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our team.
8 projected No. 1 Charlotte
Brad Lambert (17-41, entering sixth season; 17-41 overall)
1-11overall,1-7 in Conference USA; last in the East Division
A 35-31 loss to Football Championship Subdivision North Carolina A&T in the third week of the season was a sign it could be an especially rough year and Charlotte went on to win just one game. Coach Brad Lambert narrowly retained his job and made numerous staff changes, including hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators, to help get the program back on track. Bostick, WR TL Ford, WR Uriah LeMay, WR Chris Montgomery, DB Anthony Covington LB Markevis Davis, OL Wolfgang Zacherl, P Arthur Hart
OL Chris Brown, OL Cameron Clark, OL Darren Drake, RB Benny LeMay, DB Ben DeLuca, LB Juwan Foggie, LB Jeff Gemmell, DE Tyriq Harris
The 49ers relied heavily on the rushing attack anchored by dynamic tailback Benny LeMay. The team voted him one of four team captains for the 2018 season. He will be joined by offensive lineman Cameron Clark, linebacker Jeff Gemmell and defensive end Tyriq Harris.
Charlotte defensive back Ben DeLuca, an Orlando Bishop Moore High alum, led the FBS in forced fumbles (3) and continues to be a force for the 49ers’ defense.
Outside of led by LeMay, the surges Charlotte offense was anemic and the inability to move the ball put too much of a strain on the defense. The 49ers ranked No. 127 nationally in scoring offense and No. 123 in scoring defense in 2017.
While much of the roster returns, the players at every position group need to improve significantly during the offseason in order to produce better results.