Payton Lewis brings freshman length, tackling pop, and special-teams upside to Alabama State's secondary
In the 2026 season, freshman safety Payton Lewis is an intriguing depth piece for Alabama State: he’s listed at 6-foot-0, 175 pounds, came out of Thompson High School as a three-time state champion, and already has early-game production with one tackle against Lane and three tackles with two solo stops on the season. His appeal is the combo of range, athletic background, and winning pedigree—less about flash, more about dependable, assignment-sound football. If your team wants a young defensive back with upside, discipline, and a competitive edge, Lewis is worth watching.
