Former Tennessee star JaVonta Payton lands NFL camp invite from Philadelphia Eagles

Former Tennessee star JaVonta Payton recently received an NFL camp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles, the XFL announced on their Twitter page on Friday evening. He played this season with the Arlington Renegades and the Orlando Guardians of the XFL.

In 2023, Payton hauled in 11 catches for 164 receiving yards. Before joining the XFL, he was also on the Arizona Cardinals for one season (2022). He was an excellent deep threat during his time with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Payton caught 18 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns in the 2021 season with the Vols. He averaged 22.9 yards per reception, which led all SEC receivers. Prior to his days at Tennessee, Payton played in JUCO, and also at Mississippi State. In two years with the Bulldogs, Payton caught 28 passes for 372 yards and a touchdown.

He was also a force on their special teams’ unit, racking up 20 tackles in two seasons–good enough for the best mark on their roster.

Throughout his entire college football career, he hauled in 46 catches for 785 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Payton finished with one 100-plus yard receiving game with the Bulldogs. He also earned his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State in communications in 2020.

Prior to Tennessee, Mississippi State, Payton began in JUCO

Out of college, Payton played for Northwest Community College in Mississippi. There, he played an important role, and he put himself in a position to transfer up after his sophomore season.

Payton then joined Mississippi State, where in addition to his role on the Bulldogs’ offense, he was a valuable contributor on special teams.

Prior to choosing Mississippi State out of JUCO, Payton held multiple offers, including from Ole Miss, North Carolina, and Kentucky. He also held an offer from Tennessee, where he ultimately wound up to end his career.

He played his high school football at Hillsboro High School. Payton was rated as a three-star prospect, according to the On3 Industry Rankings for the 2017 cycle. He was named his team’s offensive MVP as a senior.

Payton earned first-team all-state honors after hauling in 24 catches for 452 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, he added 63 carries for 484 rushing yards and six touchdowns. A dynamic track and field athlete, he also guided Hillsboro to the TSSAA crown in the 4 x 100 meter and the 4 x 200-meter relay in 2017.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner also contributed to this article.