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Analysis: Alabama transfer Damon Payne Jr. a valuable addition for Michigan, since 'veteran defensive tackles don’t grow on trees'

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•12/27/24•

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Damon Payne Jr.
Michigan Wolverines football landed Alabama defensive tackle transfer Damon Payne Jr. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)

Michigan Wolverines football didn't land former top-50 recruit Damon Payne Jr. in the 2021 class, but he will transfer to U-M after four seasons at Alabama. While the 6-foot-4, 313-pounder wasn't a starter or all-conference player in Tuscaloosa, he's still a significant pickup for the Maize and Blue, who will lose juniors Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to the 2025 NFL Draft.