Former Western Carolina offensive lineman Tyler Smith (2018-23) signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers earlier this week as the NFL squad continues its preseason preparation ahead of the 2024 season. The Panthers first announced the addition on Sunday afternoon.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers following the conclusion of the NFL’s seven-round draft in late April, Smith was waived by the team around OTA’s – or organized team activities – in late May. He is listed as active on the Panthers' current roster.
A product of Laurinburg, N.C., Smith was a staple along the Western Carolina offensive line for the better part of six seasons, beginning with four games as a reserve as a true freshman in 2018 that kept his redshirt intact. Between 2019 and 2023, Smith started a program-record 54 consecutive games among his 58 career games played along the offensive line.
Smith was dubbed an honorable mention for HERO Sports Freshman All-America honors in '19. He was twice named All-SoCon by the league's head coaches, collecting second-team honors in 2022 and first-team plaudits from the coaches and media following the 2023 season. He added second-team All-America accolades from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in late December 2023. With Smith helping pave the way, the Catamount offense broke its school record for total offense in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023. Last fall, WCU amassed a school record of 5,545 yards with an NCAA FCS-leading 504.1 yards of total offense per game. As a true freshman, his four games as an offensive reserve helped QB Tyrie Adams rush for 1,000 yards – the fourth-straight, 1,000-yard rusher for the Catamounts between 2015-18.
Smith was one of three Catamounts to sign UFA contracts in April, joining WR David White Jr. (Jacksonville) and DB Rod Gattison (Tennessee Titans). White suffered an ACL injury in a noncontact drill in OTAs with the Jaguars after joining the team after signing for minicamp. Jacksonville has waived White Jr., but the rookie receiver could revert to Jacksonville’s injured reserve if he goes unclaimed on waivers. Gattison was officially waived back on May 13.
Other Catamount Football Players in the NFL:
Former Catamount defensive back Cameron McCutcheon (2021-22) enters his second season with the Los Angeles Rams after signing a three-year deal with the franchise last year. He was originally signed in May of 2023 before being waived in late August ahead of the start of the season. McCutcheon was reclaimed and signed to the practice squad before signing a future contract in January 2024.
Drafted by New England in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft, former Catamount Keion Crossen (2014-17) played for the Patriots in 2018 before being traded to Houston where he spent two seasons (2019-20) with the Texans. In August 2021, Crossen was traded to the New York Giants before signing a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in March 2022.
Placed on injured reserve/physically unable to perform list in August 2023, Crossen was released by the franchise in March 2024.
Catamount head football coach Kerwin Bell will join WCU's three other fall sports head coaches – Karen Glover (VB), Chad Miller (WSOC), and Jesse Norman (XC) - for the 2024 Catamount Fall Sports Preview Facebook LIVE event presented by Stanberry Insurance, on-location from Catamount Jaxe (114 Market St.) in Cullowhee TONIGHT (Wednesday, Aug. 14). Fans can see the show on the official Catamount Athletics Facebook page (fb.com/catamountsports) beginning at 6 p.m.
Western Carolina completed its 14th preseason practice on Wednesday morning, working out for two hours in full pads ahead of Thursday's off day. The Catamounts will hold their second preseason scrimmage this Saturday, Aug. 17, with an updated time of 1:00 pm.Each of WCU's preseason football practices is open to the public. It is respectfully requested that spectators observe from the stadium seating area and avoid being either on the field or the sidelines for safety. Seating on the stadium's West Side (opposite the press box) should be used for scrimmage dates. Practice times are subject to change. WCU opens the 2024 season in a pre-Labor Day meeting in the state capital against No. 24/22 NC State scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The game will be broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Pregame Show airing at 6 p.m.
Both season and single-game tickets for the five home dates in #CatamountCountry remain on sale now through the WCU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, or by phone at (828) 227-2401. Fans can also purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets.
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