2016 Charlotte Football Team Preview | #BeANiner

If only from experience, things should get better as the team returns nine starters on defense and offense.

After two games in 2015, the Charlotte 49ers might have thought that their first season in the FBS -- the school's football program only started in 2013 -- was a walk in the football park. But then the rest of the season played out. From 2-0, they went on to lose 10 straight to finish at 2-10. If only from experience, things should get better as the team returns nine starters on defense and the same number on offense.

Players to Watch

The 49ers gave significant minutes to three players at the quarterback position in 2015, and with three more added to the mix this year, it's unlikely that they will be able to get too much stability on that front. That only exacerbates the importance of senior running back Kaliff Phillips. The 3-year starter's numbers fell off last year after amassing 1,436 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2014. They will need him to rebound if they are to get back to their best.

Terrance Winchester and Nick Cook will lead the defense with the rifleman leading the team with 4 interceptions last year and the chef making a team-leading 73 tackles last year, including 50 all by his lonesome.