Does an academic student benefit from a smaller school and lower prof:student ratio, than compared to a larger University with more students?
UNC-Charlotte is Div 1, Conference USA. Its not JUCO Eastern Miss in Scooba, MS. But even if you watched Last Chance U, you will see that some JUCO weight rooms are really good. Some coaches are very good... and a motivated football player that wants to be better at practice and on his "own time" can progress a lot.
Highsmith played well against some power 5 schools and competition while at Charlotte. He has good first step, good hand use and a main pass rush move, with a few counter move options. Biggest positive is that he has a high motor. Gimme a decent player with a high motor, over a "talented athlete" without the motor, any day. "Effort without talent is tough to watch....talent without effort is a shame to see".