Charlotte 49ers redshirt junior defensive end Alex Highsmith (Wilmington, N.C./Laney H.S.) is known for creating havoc in opposing team's backfield.
In the 49ers' season finale, a come-from-behind, 27-24 victory at defending C-USA champion Florida Atlantic, Highsmith took up shop again in the Owls backfield.
Highsmith had a career-high 10 tackles, including a school-record tying 4.5 tackles for loss (TFL). He also forced a fumble. He ended the season with a school-record 17.5 TFL, breaking the record of 14.5 held by current Cleveland Brown Larry Ogunjobi.
For his efforts, Highsmith earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) National Defensive Team of the Week and was named the College Sports Madness Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.