Charlotte's passing game will look different. It has to. With record-setting quarterback Chris Reynolds and his top three receivers, including NFL Draft prospect Grant DuBose, all finished up, passing game coordinator and receivers coach Mike Hartline is intent on resetting the culture, goals and expectations for the receiver unit.
First and foremost, Hartline echoes a common theme under head coach Biff Poggi.
"We keep straining to these guys, everyday, to be the most physical group," Hartline said. "I want us to put on tape that we are the most physical. We need to have that mentality. People don't want to face physical teams, let alone a physical receivers corps. The most physical team wins."
To get there, Hartline is using the spring to establish the unit's identity.
RELENTLESS EFFORT
In his room, they emphasize four keys: extreme ownership, relentless effort, toughness and playmaking.
"We're trying to set our standards, culture and identity," Hartline explained "If those are strong – you're going to have buy in – that's what we want to do this spring. Yes, you've got to know what to do. Yes, you've got to go compete – but are you buying into where we think this team needs to go. I'm looking at effort. I'm looking at demeanor."
With positions up for grabs, he has plenty of to evaluate. Physical play, mental approach and emotional maturity.
"Right now is a huge evaluation period," said Hartline, who played quarterback at Kentucky and worked with quarterbacks at Auburn, Cincinnati and Ohio State. "We have to coach guys really hard and spend a lot of time with them. You have to build trust – that's uber important. Who's getting the job done? Who's doing it in a trustful way? Who's doing it in a way that shows me a high-high effort."
IN THE ROOM
His room is relatively young. The elder statesmen among the returnees are Quinton Patten and Sean Brown, who combined for 10 catches, last year. Jack Reynolds saw action while Roger "Fresh" Walters and Reggie Givhan III took redshirt seasons. After missing last season, speedster Jairus Mack returns, as do Xander Lamb, Elisha Edwards and Charlie C.C. Fish.
Newcomers include fifth-year senior Randy Fields Jr., a Saint Frances product who played at West Virginia and UT-Martin. The group's veteran is like a player-coach for Hartline. Talented Pitt transfer Jaden Bradley, high-energy Colorado transfer Jack Hestera, South Dakota transfer Andrew Jacobs and Minnesota transfer Ike White give the staff plenty of new options.
"We've got a lot of guys that can do different things," Hartline added. "They all have good things that they're doing. Guys are starting to understand where they're limited and what their strengths are. They're leaning into their strengths and their weaknesses will come along."
SPRING WORKOUTS
That's what the spring workouts are all about. On the field, Hartline wants to establish physicality and make sure his unit is improving at the top of their routes. In more intangible areas, he wants to evaluate effort and improve the mental approach to the position.
"Football is a huge mental game – how we are as players is how we think," Hartline said. "If we can coach the mental side of the game just as hard as the football – I think we're going to grow as individuals and as players. Coach is putting a great picture together of what this can be. I'm excited because these guys want to learn. They take coaching really well. It gives me another opportunity to see how they can grow in their football intelligence and as a player. Nothing is more gratifying to me than to see a player or a person improve their life or improve their game."
The Charlotte 49ers Annual Spring Game will be held Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m.