More Spring Practice Thoughts and Charlotte's Specialists
Usually, I’m only able to get to practices on Saturdays, due to my day job. This past Thursday I was actually able to attend Charlotte’s indy portion of spring practices. As you may or may not know, Charlotte's media is only able to attend the individual portion of practice, and then after practice is over, we’re allowed back in for coach and player interviews. From what I understand, that’s very different from Biff’s time with the program, where media members had a bit more free reign. Honestly, it’s fine, each coach has their own coaching style, their own relationship with the media, and overall, their own way of running a program. On the sideline on Thursday, I asked Charlotte’s Sports Information Director (SID) if he could offer any insight into whether the vibe around the program was already seeing any sort of change. While he couldn’t speak on Biff’s time entirely, what he did have to offer made me think Charlotte was heading in a positive direction.
Basically, every program in the country is running the same drills in the morning as we are. Wide receivers are always running routes, quarterbacks are throwing, and specialists are kicking. That’s not what sets you apart in the spring. What does set you apart is doing the little things. Practices and meetings aren’t starting late. Staffers seem well prepared. Players are paying attention during drill instructions. While there’s certainly a workman-like mentality, players are still happy to be there, to be learning and getting prepared for the season. Charlotte can’t win any games in the spring but they can certainly lose them by failing to set that proper foundation.
I was out of town this past weekend but I’ll be back at practice this coming Saturday, and I’m hoping for a chance to speak to a few more players as well as some assistant coaches. Let’s finish the look into the roster this week with Charlotte’s specialists.
Bronson Long
RS Junior
2023 Transfer from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Bronson Long enters his third year with the Charlotte 49ers. In his first season, his only play was a 60-yard kickoff to start the second half at Florida in week four of the 2023 season. Last season, Bronson kicked two punts against Navy for a total of 67 yards, 33.5 yards/attempt, and did not attempt any kickoffs. Coming from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, he didn’t see any action and chose to redshirt. Bronson is an attendee of Gothenburg High School out of Gothenburg, Nebraska, where he spent time playing quarterback, tight end, kicker, and punter. He was also a member of their varsity basketball team.
Check out Bronson’s Hudl profile here: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11228958/Bronson-Long/highlights
Vasilios Fotopoulos
RS Freshman
Charlotte Recruiting Class of 2024
Vasilios Fotopoulos, though everyone calls him Will, enters his second year with the program. He didn’t play in any games last year and has activated his redshirt. Before Charlotte, he played football for Gaither High School out of Tampa, Florida. There, his senior year, he had 53 touchbacks on 76 kickoffs, 20 punts for 800 yards, 60 points off PATs, and field goals, including going 45 for 46 on PATs with 5 FGs made out of 11 attempted, including a long of 46. According to his Hudl, he has playing experience at Sunlake High School as well. He also played soccer for Gaither, scoring 34 goals and 24 assists over two seasons.
Check out Will’s Hudl profile here: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14941947/Will-Fotopoulos/about
Andrew Bennett
RS Freshman
Charlotte Recruiting Class of 2024
The second redshirt freshman of the group, Andrew Bennett enters his second year with the program. Andrew played football for Thomasville High School out of Thomasville, Georgia. There, he punted for over 4,200 yards on 109 punts, averaging 39 yards a punt, with a long of 65. Andrew is a former 5-star punter, according to Kohl’s Professional Camps. Bennett attended their National Scholarship Camp as a punter. They point out his ability to hit spirals and turn-overs. He’s got great body control, and the camp pointed out that his best ball can compete with the best in the class but he needs to improve the timing of his drop and find more consistency in his contact. They ranked him 27th nationally, awarding him those 5 stars. He’s a former Blue Grey All-American selection, 1st-team All-Region, five-time special-teams POTG, Preseason AJC All-State selection, team captain, and an Eagle Scout. (Shout out to all my fellow Eagle Scouts!)
Check out Andrew’s Hudl profile here: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14467023/andrew-bennett