Recent Offers: Cal Poly

Payne is a true 4-down defensive lineman with heavy hands, pass rush abilities off the edge with twitch and power rush moves and should see a slew of other FCS+ schools come his way through his senior year. He has the frame to either play on the interior or edge in college and should have a huge senior season for the Pumas.

Payne is an attacking defender coming off the edge with a strong compact frame at 6’2” 240 lbs. He brings explosive athleticism and high-level technique to every play. Like his initial quickness off the ball to create immediate pressure on blockers with his burst and timing. Possesses a wide range of pass rush moves. He can win with speed, convert power effectively, and use well-timed counters to be a constant threat in one on one situations. Shows his athleticism in his ability to redirect and bend through contact allowing him to adjust mid-rush and close on the ball carrier with speed. He plays with a relentless motor and a physical edge, routinely chasing plays sideline to sideline and from the backside. With his combination of explosiveness, skill, and physicality he projects as an impact defender at the college level who can thrive in multiple fronts.

3 Offers: Sacramento State, UNLV, Weber State

Payne was one of the more active and polished ’27 players in the group and had a strong showing both in the testing and individual drills. He is a very good athlete for his size and is strong at the point of attack while playing with heavy hands and strong initial power and sudden movement abilities off the edge. He showed he could win with a variety of pass rush moves at his disposal and get a good jump off the ball while creating immediate vertical push off the ball. He is another rising 2027 edge prospect across the region and should have a breakout Junior year for a loaded Chaparral team.

Payne is one of the top pass rushers across the region heading into his Junior season and currently holds one offer from UNLV. He is quick off the ball and gets hands-on blockers quickly while showing a consistent lockout and violent shed at the point of attack while able to take on double teams and chase down ball carriers backside. He provides a consistent pass rush off the edge with good bend and primary/countermoves while showing he can redirect out in space and is very fluid for his size. As he continues to grow and develop he should see other opportunities come his way and as well on his way to being one of the better edge prospects in his class.