Former Alabama DL sees intensity of Big Ten program similar to Crimson Tide

Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Former Alabama defensive lineman Damon Payne is seeing exactly what Kyle Whittingham is building at Michigan.

Payne, who played his first four seasons with the Crimson Tide transferred to the Wolverines for his final year of eligibility in 2025. When Payne first transferred to Michigan he didn’t see much a of a difference in work between his previous program under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Now, as he works out at Michigan’s Pro Day, Payne has gotten an up close look at what Whittingham is instilling in the returning class and is seeing a different level of intensity.

“It’s a different level of intensity,” Payne said. “It was still intense last year, but these guys have a different philosophy. Wrapping it up from the start, just getting going. It was nice to see the guys get to work.”

With the team going through offseason program, Payne is now excited to see the team go through workouts similar to Alabama.

“Coming from where I came from, Alabama, it was kind of like, yeah,” Payne said. “You get a little taste of it now. Mack drills at six, man.”

After playing 31 games for the Crimson Tide, Payne appeared in all 13 games for the Wolverines in 2025 where helped man the middle of the defense. He finished his collegiate career with 46 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77