Ex-EWU DL Redshirt Freshman with Power Potential Amid Transfer Buzz
Alex Payne, a 6'5", 305-lb former four-star OT recruit from Gainesville, GA (ranked No. 124 nationally by 247Sports), redshirted at Eastern Washington in 2024 after playing one game vs. Idaho, preserving eligibility with no stats recorded[1][5]. Committed to USC in Dec 2024 but entered the portal Jan 2026, signaling pro-level upside[6][8]. Elite pass block finesse (85 rating) and lead blocking (87) highlight his athleticism and power for a DL convert; low injury risk (90 rating) screams durability[2]. High-motor Georgian with NFL lineage potential—perfect Power 5 fit if he bulks and refines pass rush.
