Patrick Payton is a 5th-year senior edge rusher at LSU, originally from Miami, who developed into a high-impact due to…….

🏈 From Miami to FSU: Early Life & High School

Patrick Payton’s football journey began at Miami Northwestern High School, a program known for producing elite talent. There, he emerged as a dominant force:

• Size and athleticism: Standing at 6′5″, tournaments show him already towering over foes in high school.

• Production: As a junior, he tallied an impressive 17.5 sacks, including a jaw-dropping five-sack game against Miami Columbus, shaping his reputation as a disruptive pass-rusher.

His dominance earned him first-team All-Dade honors and the opportunity to play for Florida State—a fitting next step for a four-star defensive end.

🧠 Florida State Renaissance (2021–2024)

Redshirt Freshman Breakout (2022)

After redshirting in 2021, Payton exploded in 2022:

• Appeared in 13 games, notching 31 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 5 sacks.

• Earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, becoming FSU’s first since 2012.

• A Freshman All-American Honorable Mention affirmed his status as a rising star.

Ascension & Consistency (2023)

Payton’s sophomore campaign confirmed his potential:

• 44 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 7 sacks, 10 pass breakups, 7 QB hurries, and 2 forced fumbles—versatile contributions across the boar.

• Led team and ranked near top of the ACC in TFL.

• Earned honorable mention All-ACC and the Monk Bonasorte Award.

• His 10 pass breakups were the most by an ACC D‑lineman since 201.

Showcasing strong instincts and flexibility, Payton proved he wasn’t just an edge rusher but a complete defensive presence.

Senior Frame-Up Year (2024)

In his final FSU season:

• Started all games: 35 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 4 sacks.

• Highlight: a game against California with 3 sacks and 3.5 TFLs, earning ACC D‑lineman of the week.

• Continued to block kicks, QBs, and disrupt plays with timely pressure.

Cumulatively at FSU: 110+ tackles, 32–32.5 TFLs, 16 sacks, 12 PBUs, and 3 forced fumbles in 40 games—an impressive collegiate résumé

 🔁 Transfer to LSU: A Strategic Move

December 2024 brought a seismic shift: Payton entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left Soon after, he chose LSU, joining Brian Kelly’s deep transfer class targeting immediate CFP contention.

He arrived as the top edge rusher in the portal, ranked No. 1 defensive player by ESPN’s portal class and No. 

Why LSU?

• Adds SEC-level pass‑rushing boost to a Tigers defense striving to rebound.

• Joins an edge rotation with Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler, meaning high snap counts and situational variety.

• Brings track record of blocking field goals and altering passes, adding a special‑teams/third‑down twist.

According to SEC analysts, he’s the “most important portal arrival” for LSU’s D‑line

🧩 Athletic Profile & Scouting

Measurables

• Height/Weight: 6′5″, ~250–255 lbn.

• 40‑yd Dash: ~4.65 s—excellent for his size (93rd percentile).

Strengths

• Length & Reach: Elite frame allows him to keep blockers off balance and bat down passes.

• Athleticism & Bend: Fluid mover with good cornering ability at the edge.

• Versatility: Effective in rush pursuit and can drop into coverage; tech includes swim, spin, bull, ghost move.

• Motor & Instincts: High effort in pursuit and situational awareness in breakups and run off‑tackle defense.

Areas for Growth

• Power/Strength: Needs added muscle to anchor against bigger SEC/NFL tackles.

• Consistency & Pad Level: Can play high or lose technique, requiring refined leverage and effort

• Move Diversification: Still adding reliable counters inside; needs to stop being predictable.

Mock draft analysis labels him a Day‑2, starter‑upside prospect with potential to break into early rounds with refinement.

🎯 What to Watch in 2025 at LSU

1. Snap Allocation – Will be top edge alongside transfers and returning freshman Gabriel Reliford.

2. Rush Production – LSU expects him to match or exceed his college peak (~7 sacks/year); Coach Kelly needs that pass‑rush juice

3. Run Defense Toughness – He’ll face heavier, power-focused SEC O‑lines. Strength training in offseason is key.

4. Leadership – A seasoned veteran in new locker room; potential to mentor young D‑linemen.

5. NFL Stock – A standout SEC campaign could vault him into early‑mid NFL Draft prospects; whereas another inconsistent run may push him into Day 3 projections.

📝 Final Take – 250 Words Sum-Up

Patrick Payton is a rare combination of size, athleticism, and production. His FSU tenure paints the picture of a versatile, disruptive edge rusher—equally adept at tackling, getting to the quarterback, and affecting the passing lanes.

However, the missing elements—patented strength, consistent pass-rush variety, and run-game grit—have capped his stock. LSU represents a big stage and big opportunity; a breakout SEC campaign could redefine his trajectory.

If he puts it all together—taking on bigger linemen physically, continuing his pass-rush chops, and elevating consistency—he’ll anchor LSU’s defense and emerge as a legitimate NFL Draft target. Even incremental improvements could make him the type of all-around, high-upside edge defender SEC defenses fear.

In short: Tech-savvy, explosive, and long—Patrick Payton is exactly the kind of high-ceiling transfer Brian Kelly builds around, and 2025 is his stage to rise or simply be another piece in a stacked rotation.