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WSU cornerback Chau Smith-Wade declares for NFL draft

Washington State defensive back Chau Smith-Wade breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike during the second half of a nonconference game Sept. 9 at Gesa Field in Pullman. WSU won 31-22. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)
By Greg Woods gregw@spokesman.com(509) 459-5587

PULLMAN – Chau Smith-Wade is off to the pros.

The Washington State cornerback announced as much on Sunday, sharing on social media that he is declaring for the NFL draft, ending his four-year WSU career.

Smith-Wade, a staple on defense who earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors after the 2022 season, played seven games this fall for the Cougars. He totaled 30 tackles and allowed just 18 receptions on 37 targets, a reception percentage of 49%.

He missed the final five games of the season, sitting out with an injury, per WSU coach Jake Dickert.

Smith-Wade accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl on Nov. 21, heading to a showcase event for players ready to move on to the NFL. That game is set for Feb. 3 in Mobile, Alabama.