Observations from Monday practice

-- The 49ers practiced in shoulder pads for a second day Monday (the first time was Saturday; they took Sunday off). No contact was allowed, but the offense and defense went at it for an extended time. Running backs Alan Barnwell and Kalif Phillips showed some quickness and moves coming out of the backfield in the 49ers’ spread offense. Tight end/H back Jason Eury also had a nice catch on the sidelines.

“This was our first day of really going against each other,” said coach Brad Lambert. “So there was a little juice to it. There was good energy and a good attitude.”

The 49ers will practice in full gear for the first time Tuesday.

“It’s about getting guys used to carrying everything (full pads),” said Lambert. “Right now, they’re learning about fast reads, learning how to go at a fast tempo and pace. We don’t want guys on the ground yet. We want to play fast without being on the ground.”

-- Lambert said practice has been largely injury free so far. Cornerback Greg Cunningham has been nursing a sore back.

-- A series of emails obtained by the Observer confirm what both schools have already said: Charlotte and Appalachian State are trying to schedule a football series.

In June, Mountaineers athletics director Charlie Cobb proposed a four-game series beginning in 2018 to Charlotte athletics director Judy Rose.

“I think it would be great for football on this side of the state without (North) Carolina or N.C. State involved,” Cobb wrote. “I also think it would be great for future fundraising, tickets sales and (public relations) for both of us.”

49ers assistant athletics director Chris Thomasson responded, saying Charlotte is interested, but suggested waiting a year to sign a contract, or until Conference USA decides whether it will increase the number of league games from eight to nine.

The 49ers reached out to Appalachian State as early as September 2010, proposing games in 2014 and 2015 that never came about.

 

Charlotte's 2014 schedule is full and has one open date in 2015 (when the 49ers join C-USA). But that date is taken by a game that will probably be an FBS opponent (likely SEC). Charlotte's 2016 schedule is full, and includes a game at Kansas State.

 

-- The 49ers picked up two verbal commitments Monday: wide receivers Mark Quattlebaum of Cartersville, Ga., and Juwan Foggie of High Point Central.

Quattlebaum (5-9, 165) is a teammate of Cartersville quarterback Brooks Barden, who committed to Charlotte last week. He caught 24 passes for 404 6]yards and six touchdowns last season.

Foggie (6-0, 206) told Rivals.com he also had interest from North Carolina, Wake Forest, Appalachian State and East Carolina. He caught 56 passes for 833 yards and five TDs.