Big-bodied, veteran interior DL with SEC-tested strength
Payne is a physical, space-eating defensive tackle who brings rare size, experience, and a proven power profile to Michigan’s interior line. In the 2025 season, he played in 6 games for the Wolverines and totaled 7 tackles with 1 tackle for loss, while his background includes four years at Alabama and a full season of rotation/starting reps against elite competition[2][4]. His appeal is less about flashy stats and more about disruptive leverage, depth value, and a mature, battle-tested presence that fits teams needing stout run defense and reliable inside competence[1][4].
