Patrick Payton

Patrick Payton attended Miami Northwestern High School in Miami, Florida where he played football and was a four-star recruit. In his junior season, Payton collected 17.5 sacks in helping the Bulls to a 5A state championship. He had several FBS scholarships and committed to Florida State. As a freshman in 2021, Payton only played in one game and redshirted. In 2022, Payton was awarded the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year after playing in all 13 games and collecting 31 tackles, including six for loss and five sacks. He started all 14 games in 2023 and recorded 44 tackles, including 14.5 for loss with seven sacks, 10 pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He was named honorable mention All-ACC and his 10 pass breakups were the highest by an ACC defensive lineman since 2016.