Charlotte 49ers: A New Olsen in Town

CONCORD, N.C. (WCCB Charlotte) — Charlotteans are familiar with Greg Olsen as the pass catching machine for the Carolina Panthers.

There’s a new Olsen in town.

Kevin Olsen was named the starting quarterback for the Charlotte 49ers ahead of Saturday’s spring game. Olsen went 14-of-18 for 163 Yards and two interceptions in his first performance as leader of the team.

“I think overall we played pretty well,” Olsen said in the post-game press conference.

Olsen’s road to be the starting quarterback for Charlotte was anything but smooth. Kevin Olsen was expelled from the University of Miami after his red-shirt freshman season after being arrested. He transferred in to Towson and later out for what’s been reported as a violation of team rules. Olsen played at a junior college in California last year before getting another chance from Brad Lambert and the 49ers.

“He’s come in and he’s worked hard,” Lambert said. “He’s a team guy.”

Kevin Olsen will have a circle of support in Charlotte. Aside from his brother Greg living in town, Kevin’s parents moved to the Queen City area after he graduated high cshool.

“The school is great. Great friends, great teammates and great coaches,” Kevin Olsen said.  “I can’t enjoy my time any more than I am right now.”

Olsen’s first game in the fall will be at Louisville on Thursday, September 1.