Raw Freshman DL with Elite High School Pedigree Poised for Breakout
As a true freshman DL for the North Alabama Lions in 2025, 6'3" 235-lb Jamari Payne posted 20 tackles (12 solo, 8 ast), 1 sack, and 1 FF across a 2-10 season, showing solid run-stopping presence despite playing on a struggling UAC defense[1][2]. A former Purdue signee and consensus 3-star recruit (#44 DL nationally by On3), he dominated high school with 76 tackles, 12 sacks, and 2 INTs his senior year at Loachapoka, plus basketball athleticism (9.3 PPG, 1.9 BPG junior year)[3][6]. His explosive edge rush, pick-six ability, and motor make him a high-upside transfer target for teams needing versatile, intense DL depth—watch for a leap in Year 2.
