This Chargers player erupted for a big third day of training camp practice

07-27-2024
3 min read
© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers have a unique weapon on offense with a history of converting to different positions making waves at training camp so far. No, this isn't referring to offensive lineman Jordan McFadden. This is about former college quarterback Stone Smartt.

Much of the attention has been on the two tight ends the Chargers signed in free agency, as well as the enticing rookie UDFA options the team brought in after the draft. The discourse surrounding Smartt has mostly been around his candidacy for the practice squad. 

Well, until Friday, when Smartt caught six passes and one touchdown from Justin Herbert.

Smartt, now in his third year in the league, converted from quarterback and wide receiver at Old Dominion to tight end after signing with the Chargers as a UDFA in 2022. After working through an offseason injury his rookie year, Smartt was activated to the active roster on November 19th as the team hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. The young tight end took a solid leap the following season, catching 11 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown while playing 151 snaps on special teams. 

The Chargers do not have a pure receiving threat on their roster after veteran Hayden Hurst. Donald Parham Jr. will likely hold onto the third tight end spot as a better blocker and freak red zone target, but he has not played a single special teams snap under coordinator Ryan Ficken. Keep an eye on Smartt as he stacks strong practices and continues his rapport with the quarterbacks.