LINKS: Former Coug Chau Smith-Wade Getting Great Looks in Panthers Training Camp

Joe Londergan | Aug 22, 2024

Jan 31, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National defensive back Chau Smith-Wade of Washington State (6) gets set on defense during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Former Washington State Cougars defensive back Chau Smith-Wade was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In recent weeks, Smith-Wade has made the most of increased repetitions due to injuries to some of the Panthers' more veteran players.

Smith-Wade's Panthers' teammate Troy Hill recently said of his absorption of the Panthers' defense, "I think the fact that he's picking up on it so fast is great for him. He's honestly like a student of the game, and you can tell he takes it seriously. I think that's big, especially for somebody his age, right?"

Smith has six tackles through two preseason games for the Panthers.

Read the full report here from Panthers.com reporter Darin Gantt.

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Smith-Wade played four seasons for Washington State, appeaing in 33 games. He picked off three passes with 21 pass deflections, He also totaled 103 tackles with six for a loss, while forcing three fumbles and recovering one. He as an All-Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention in 2022.