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Every offseason in college football we always hear about former big name recruits taking their talents to other schools for various reasons. Some change schools due to academics and playing time while others are forced to change because of bad decisions.
The latter can be applied to former four-star quarterback recruit, Kevin Olsen, who is looking to get his college football career back on track with the Charlotte 49ers. Olsen, who is the younger brother of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, was a highly talented recruit from Wayne Hills High School in New Jersey.
He had a decorated high school career with more than 3,400 passing yards and eventually signed with the Miami Hurricanes, the same team that his older brother Greg played for.
Unlike Greg, Kevin's time at Miami was cut short as he was suspended multiple times for breaking team rules like failing a drug test and being charged with a DUI. After his short stint in Miami, Olsen then decided to go the FCS route transferring to Towson University. If you are an FBS player and transfer down to the FCS level, you gain immediate eligibility.
However Olsen repeated the same mistakes and was dismissed from Towson's team as well.
Olsen spoke with David Scott of the Charlotte Observer about his actions:
"I guess you could say I regret it, probably more for putting my family, friends and coaching staff through it more than anything else. My biggest regret is what I put the people who care about me through over the last two years."
After two wasted opportunities Olsen finally got his life and football career back on track in the JUCO ranks last season at Riverside City College in California. Olsen had a good season at RCC finishing with 1,080 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and completed 56.3 percent of his passes.
His improved record got him noticed by Charlotte and he seems ready for a fresh start with the team. When the 49ers open their regular season in a few weeks against Louisville he will be the team's starting quarterback. Olsen is determined to improve the team's record from their first season in the C-USA.
As he told Scott, "I'm in a great spot because I can continue to go after my goals." If Olsen plays like the four-star recruit he was back in the day then it should be a great season for the Charlotte 49ers.