It came down to Alabama or Auburn for Da’Ron Payne in 2015, but the five-star prospect from Shades Valley High School (Birmingham, Ala.) chose to sign with the Crimson Tide.
Payne, a sophomore, was a strong contributor on defense through 15 games last season.
He recorded 13 tackles, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. The 6-foot-2, 319-pound defensive tackle consistently drew a double-team and was one of multiple rotation players that helped Alabama’s front line allow just 75.7 rush yards and 15.1 points per contest.
Payne ended spring practice as one of the strongest players on the team, posting a 365-pound power clean, 500-pound bench press and 600-pound squat. He’s got speed to burn despite his size, as he was clocked at 4.93 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Much like his coach, Nick Saban, Payne is about moving forward. With fall camp starting Thursday, social media was first to get the sophomore’s excitement.
https://twitter.com/RETROLIVIN_/status/759775440265474048
Saban and his staff looks to build depth along the defensive line, especially after losing A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, D.J. Pettway and Darren Lake to the National Football League. Payne has a chance to be one of the starters this season, joining Jonathan Allen, Dalvin Tomlinson and Da’Shawn Hand.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
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