— Former Duke safety Jeremy Cash stepped onto the practice field Friday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the Carolina Panthers’ two-day rookie minicamp with nearly 50 other players vying for a roster spot.

Cash is not only fighting against a bevy of other talented players, but the former Duke standout will now have to impress the coaching staff at a new position: linebacker.

First day on the job. pic.twitter.com/UtjNuHsIpz — Jeremy Cash (@jaycash_16) May 13, 2016

The Panthers are no stranger to converting former collegiate safeties to full-time linebackers.

All-Pro and team captain Thomas Davis, who played safety at the University of Georgia, made the full-time transition to linebacker in his rookie season. Second-year pro Shaq Thompson also made the transition; he played safety, linebacker and running back at the University of Washington.

However, learning a new position will require time to harness the necessary tools to thrive at the next level.

“Football is a game of inches. If you’re out of position, even a step, you could be gassed for a touchdown and win or lose a ballgame,” Cash said.

The Panthers said they’ve brought Cash in to play linebacker because of his size, 6 feet and 200 pounds, and his ability to disrupt the backfield.

“We really liked what we saw. He’s athletic and he showed some burst," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He had to line up against the tight end a few times and made some plays. He’s got an opportunity, he really does. I think he’s going to be a role player for us, that’ll be his opportunity when we head into training camp.”

Cash, who had the ability to pick any team to sign with after going undrafted, said the Panthers’ scheme is similar to the system in which he thrived in as a Blue Devil.

“It was going to be a lot similar to what I did at Duke, and that was great,” he said. “I had a lot of success there, and I’m thankful for all my coaches and teammates there who supported me in this decision.

“I’m just thankful to the Panthers organization for giving me another opportunity to come out and play.”

Practice #1 was a success. So glad to be a part of the @Panthers organization. — Jeremy Cash (@jaycash_16) May 13, 2016

Cash said he’s driven to show the Panthers’ coaching staff – and other teams that passed on him – that he belongs on a National Football League roster.

“I’m not sure, whatever reason I wasn’t drafted by a handful of other teams, but ultimately I have to come out here and do what I need to do to make other teams wonder why they didn’t draft me,” he said.

Cash, who sported No. 16 at Duke, will wear No. 57 with the Panthers.

Carolina will conclude its two-day rookie minicamp Saturday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium.