South Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — All Chau Smith-Wade is looking for is a chance. Since being drafted in the fifth round this year, the rookie cornerback has primarily worked inside as a nickel. However, with veteran cornerback Dane Jackson injured and expected to miss regular season time, the Panthers are seeking a starter on the outside. Smith-Wade sees this as an opportunity.

"I always go to every game, every practice with the mindset of getting better, and with that comes the opportunity, and the competing aspect of it for me," Smith-Wade said after Saturday's loss to the Jets, when he played a more expansive role than before. "So, you know, it doesn't really change anything."

He added: "I do want to go out and go get that. But I'm the same way every day; just go get it, go get better every day. And if it does happen to become my spot, then it does."

Smith-Wade finds humor in discussing the difference between playing outside and inside since he had only played on the boundary throughout his career.

At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, Smith-Wade does not fit most NFL teams' profile for outside cornerbacks. This partly explains why he was available in the fifth round of this year's draft when the Panthers selected him 157th overall.

He wasn't surprised when asked to play nickel at this year's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama—a new experience for him.

"I had not. I've had zero reps on the inside, so it was brand new at the Senior Bowl," he said with a laugh. "I knew I was kind of expecting it since I'm a smaller guy. So going into the league, I've heard talks that I'm going to have to play nickel."

Smith-Wade performed well in Mobile by showing resilience against larger receivers during practices and intercepting a pass late in the game which he returned 83 yards to win National team MVP honors.

Accepting that playing nickel might be his future role due to his size limitations at outside cornerback opened up various possibilities for Smith-Wade.

Veteran Troy Hill empathizes with Smith-Wade's situation as he too plays inside due to his smaller stature (5-10 and 182 pounds). Hill believes learning both positions will benefit Smith-Wade's understanding of different routes and defensive strategies.

"The way he played outside tonight...that's going to be big because being able to do both is going help him understand different routes and defense more," Hill said. He added: "He's honestly like a student of game...you can tell he takes it seriously."

Hill noted how impressed he's been by Smith-Wade’s dedication throughout camp despite having given tips himself about playing inside during offseason meetings.

Smith-Wade caught head coach Dave Canales' attention on Saturday night among candidates including Lamar Jackson (not related), Dicaprio Bootle & D'Shawn Jamison for replacing Dane Jackson who described him as “all over field.”

"At corner [Smith Wade] made nice play end zone on go-ball,” Canales stated adding “And then really looked savvy there at nickel spot.”

Despite initial challenges transitioning from boundary position—defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley along longtime NFL corner DeAngelo Hall provided necessary information/material enabling fast physical gameplay according young player himself:

"We kind general talk all DBs room—we just need somebody step up." concluded acknowledging love football willingness adapt wherever needed making most current opportunities presented thus far.