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Panthers HC Dave Canales confirms camp battle involving struggling 2024 draft pick
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- Panthers HC Dave Canales confirms camp battle involving struggling 2024 draft pick
In a surprise decision , the Carolina Panthers suited up third-year linebacker and projected starter Trevin Wallace for the Hall of Fame Game this past Thursday night. Well, now we know why he was out there—and not on the sideline with the rest of the first-stringers.
After Monday's outing of training camp, head coach Dave Canales confirmed to reporters that Wallace is currently battling for his job in the middle of the defense. His challenger is fourth-year 'backer Claudin Cherelus , who was calling plays as the "green dot" for the unit during this morning's practice.
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Canales was asked why he has so much confidence in Cherelus.
"Comfortability, command, standing in front of the huddle, making calls, communicating it to the back half, ya know, just talking," Canales replied. "And just, his physical style of play continues to show up. Love that about Claude.
"Trevin's doing a great job as well. I can't talk about Claude without talking about Trevin. He looks great. Just continues to just be really comfortable in the defense and finding his shot, finding his ways to make plays."
Wallace failed to find his way over his first two pro campaigns. The 2024 third-round pick struggled in coverage and against the run, and had both of his seasons cut short by shoulder injuries.
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Cherelus, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets, was claimed off waivers by Carolina in the summer of 2023. He's since appeared in 33 games over three years, and recorded a career-high four starts in 2025.
The Hall of Fame Game saw Wallace tally 19 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus graded him out at a 53.1 overall—with a 55.8 mark against the run, a 56.4 in coverage and a 28.6 in tackling.
Meanwhile, Cherelus—who also picked up 19 snaps—received a 74.9 overall with a 69.0 versus the run, a 70.3 in coverage and a 77.8 in tackling.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales confirms camp battle involving struggling 2024 draft pick
