The Charlotte 49ers had eight players selected to Phil Steele's 2022 Preseason All-Conference USA football teams.
Charlotte had four offensive players, two defensive players and two special teamers named to Steele's annual list of the league's top players.
First team selections included junior wide receiver Grant DuBose, who made an immediate impact as the 49ers leading receiver in his first year with the program, and kick returner Shadrick Byrd, who was named to the league's All-Freshman team as both a returner and running back, last season. Byrd was also selected as a fourth team running back.
PHIL STEELE PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE
First Team
#13 Shadrick Byrd, R-So., KR
A 2021 C-USA All-Freshman team selection, Byrd ranked second in C-USA and 24th in the FBS in kick return yards. His 22.8 return average is the second-best in school-history. He ranked fourth in C-USA in all-purpose yards with 121.25 per game, which is the fourth-most in school history. Byrd was named C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week following the win at FIU (totaled 117 return yards on just two returns, busting season-long returns of 60 and 57 yards to set up scoring drives). He scored five TDs (3 rushing; 2 receiving) in addition to his return numbers. He was named Honorable Mention All-Conference USA as a kick returner.
#14 Grant DuBose, Jr.; WR
The team's leading receiver averaged over 70 receiving yards per game and shared the team lead with six TD catches. He had two games with two receiving TDs: W vs. Duke; W vs. Middle Tennessee. His 892 receiving yards are the third-most in 49ers history. He posted three games with 100+ receiving yards (vs. Duke; Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech) and eight games with 70 or more receiving yards.
Second Team
#3 Chris Reynolds, R-Sr., QB
The 49ers all-time leader in career passing yards and touchdowns broke the school's single season records for passing yards and TDs. He ranked second in C-USA in passing TDs and points responsible for and fourth in passing efficiency. A two-time C-USA Offensive Player of the Week following wins over Duke (324 passing y; 3 TD; 1 rush TD) and Middle Tennessee (339 pass yd; 4 TD, 1 rush TD). Was named to the Davey O'Brien Top 40 QB Class and a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy given to the top college player that began his career as a walk-on. A two-time Maxwell Award Watch Lister who was also on the Manning Award and Unitas Golden Arm Watch Lists. Threw for 300+ yards three times, including a school-record 448 passing yards vs. La. Tech. He also led the team in rushing TDs. A four-year starter and two-time captain, he was named Honorable Mention all-C-USA for the third straight year.
#1 Amir Siddiq, R-Sr., DE
Newcomer transferred from Central Michigan and played in 39 games there … had 60 tackles, 16 TFL, and 7.5 sacks for the Chippewas ... played in all 12 games in 2021 … registered 36 tackles with 10.5 TFL and 4.0 sacks … had four QB hurries and a forced fumble … appeared in all six games with one start in pandemic-shortened 2020 season, making one start … had 10 tackles and tied for third on the team with 3.0 sacks … played in all 12 games with one start in 2019 … 10 tackles including 2.0 TFL..
#0 Markees Watts, R-Sr., DE
Charlotte's all-purpose defender finished the year with 62 tackles and team-highs with 7.0 TFL and 6.0 sacks. He ranked fifth in C-USA in sacks. He also forced two fumbles with a fumble recovery and added a blocked kick. He led the team with five QB hurries. He moved into second-place all-time in career sacks (just 2.5 behind current Pittsburgh Steeler Alex Highsmith) and owns two-of-the-top-three single-season sack efforts in 49ers history. He currently ranks fifth all-time in career TFL, just 1.0 TFL shy of third all-time. He was named Honorable Mention All-C-USA for the second time in his career.
Third Team
#37 Bailey Rice, So., P
The 49ers starting punter earned 2021 Conference USA All-Freshman team honors. He handled all punting duties for the season and had 40 punts for 1688 yards (42.2 punting avg.). His 42.2 punting avg. is third-best in school history. Blasted five punts of 50+, including a long of 65 at WKU and had 14 punts inside the 20 with only two touchbacks. With 19 punts for fair catches, he helped Charlotte allow just eight punt returns and rank eighth in the nation in punt return defense (2.75 yds/ret.).
Fourth Team
#13 Shadrick Byrd, R-So., RB
With Calvin Camp, forms the 49ers effective running back tandem. Byrd started seven games and was named to the league's All-Freshman team as a running back. Led the team with 132 carries, averaging 48.6 rushing yards with three TDs. Was also valuable in the passing game, averaging 20.7 receiving yards with two TDs. His highlights included scoring the game-winning TD on an 11-yard pass in the final minute as Charlotte toppled Duke for the program's first win over a power conference opponent.
#1 Victor Tucker, R-Sr.; WR
The 49ers' second all-time leading receiver is a four-year starter and three-year leading receiver. He ranks second all-time with 2,660 career receiving yards and 13 career receiving TDs. He owns 13 career 100-yard receiving games, nine of which have come against C-USA foes. He enjoyed a string of 21 straight games with a reception. He and QB Chris Reynolds became the program's most prolific QB-WR combo (teamed up for 163 receptions; 2,346 yards). Was named 2021 Second Team All-Conference USA by Pro Football Focus. The team's second leading receiver in 2021 with 51 catches for 639 yards, Tucker averaged 58.1 yards/game and 12.5 yards/catch with two TD receptions. He shared team-lead with three 100-yard receiving games and was instrumental in the 49ers 31-28 victory over Duke for the program's first-ever win over a power five conference opponent. He had season-high 133 receiving yards vs. Duke, including five passes for 101 yards in the final two drives to set up touchdowns in the come-from-behind win.
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