The Panthers started Day 3 of the NFL Draft with the same strategy they used on the first two days — solidify the defense. That's why Carolina used the 113th overall pick to select Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride, Jr.
Over the last four years, Pride totaled 121 tackles, four interceptions and 18 pass breakups for the Irish, while earning All-Independent honors as a senior in 2019.
Before Pride starts lurking in the Carolina secondary, get to know the newest Panther.
On the field and the track
If you turn on Pride's tape, one thing immediately stands out: the kid can fly.
It makes sense, considering he was a sprinter on Notre Dame's track team. In 2018, he qualified for the ACC Indoor Championship with a blistering 6.73-second 60-meter dash. Pride's success on the track dates back to high school, too, where he was a two-time state champion in the 400-meter dash, on top of also winning state titles in the 200-meter and 100-meter dash.
That pure top-end speed translated to the football field for Pride, and in February, he clocked a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the Combine to rank fifth-fastest among defensive backs.
Heading home
Pride played his prep ball just down the road at Greer High School in South Carolina.
While at Greer, Pride helped the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back perfect, 10-win regular seasons for the first time in school history and four consecutive Region II-AAA titles.
A passion for the camera
During his time at Notre Dame, Pride majored in film, television and theatre in the College of Arts and Letters. Not exactly a typical major for athletes, but Pride said he wants to get into the world of broadcasting and hopes his major helps.
With all this time on his hands during quarantine, it's allowed him to dive into shows like "Money Heist" and "Power." He also likes "The Office," and for those wondering, Dwight Schrute is his favorite character.
View photos of Carolina's fourth-round draft pick, CB Troy Pride Jr., out of Notre Dame.
Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., plays against New Mexico during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
FILE- In a file photo from Nov. 2, 2019, Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., (5) celebrates the team's victory over Virginia Tech in an NCAA college football game, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan's Will Hart (17) is tackled by Notre Dame's Troy Pride Jr. on a botched field goal attempt in the second half of an NCAA football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. Notre Dame won 24-17. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (5) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Sean Shaw Jr. (2) during the first half of the Camping World Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
during game action between University of Notre Dame vs. University of Georgia at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia.
Northwestern's Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, right, dives for the ball but cannot make the catch as he is guarded by Notre Dame's Troy Pride Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Jim Young)
Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., left, tackles Ball State wide receiver Riley Miller during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Stanford's Brycen Tremayne (81) makes a touchdown reception against Notre Dame's Troy Pride Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (5) celebrates after getting a win over Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ball State wide receiver Corey Lacanaria, left, catches the ball against Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. Notre Dame won 24-16. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
