Alabama transfer DL Damon Payne commits to Michigan

Alabama transfer DL Damon Payne has committed Michigan. He initially signed with the Wolverines on Wednesday, but the papers were removed later in the day.

Payne initially signed papers to play at Michigan at 9:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, On3’s Pete Nakos reported, but later removed them. That indicated his recruitment was open, but it appears he’s on his way to Ann Arbor, after all.

Payne’s representatives sent a statement to The Wolverine to clarify what happened with his paperwork. His agent, Steve Fantetti of Athete Empowering Agency, said Payne’s recruitment was open and he would be committing soon.

“Damon Payne is not currently signed with any school, and he will be releasing his commitment under his own terms very soon,” Fantetti told EJ Holland.

Payne is one of the top transfers in the country through the early part of the cycle. He is the No. 12-ranked defensive lineman in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings and the No. 146 overall player to hit the portal after the window opened last week.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Payne appeared in 12 games this past season at Alabama, opting to stay in Tuscaloosa to play for Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban’s retirement. He totaled a career-high 14 tackles to go with a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery.

Payne took a redshirt year in 2021 before cementing his place on the Crimson Tide defensive line. Over his three years of action, he totaled 30 tackles, three tackles for loss, a half-sack and a fumble recovery. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Payne played high school football at Belleville (Mich.), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 49 overall player and No. 2-ranked prospect in the state of Michigan from the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.