Representatives of Damon Payne clarify situation with Michigan...
Several reports are claiming that Alabama defensive lineman Damon Payne signed with Michigan on Wednesday morning.
While Payne did start the paperwork process with Michigan, there are not yet any documents binding the former Top 50 recruit to U-M.
“Damon Payne is not currently signed with any school, and he will be releasing his commitment under his own terms very soon,” his agent, Steven Fantetti of Athlete Empowering Agency, released in a statement.
Michigan remains a strong contender for Payne but will have to continue to recruit him. Per his mentor, Darryl Graham, a visit to USC could be in the cards. He added that a return to Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon are other possibilities.
As Fantetti mentioned, Payne hopes to sign a binding document with the school of his choice in the near future. The transfer portal window closes on Dec. 28, leaving 10 days for Payne and his representatives to make a final decision.
Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native, is the No. 12 defensive tackle in the portal and No. 146 overall player, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was a four-star recruit in the 2021 class and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Michigan, ranking 49th nationally.
This season, Payne had 14 tackles and a fumble recovery in eight games played. He redshirted in 2021 before playing in six games in 2022, and then emerged as a rotational piece in 2023 for an Alabama team that lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff.
Top 10
- 1
Kaidon Salter
Transfer QB signs with Colorado
- 2Hot
Zach Arnett
UNLV hiring former MSU HC
- 3Trending
SEC and Netflix
2024 season getting docuseries
- 4
Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN star talks son to Michigan
- 5
Jake Dickert
Wazzu HC hired by Wake Forest
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
Michigan has been active with defensive line targets in the transfer portal this month. The Wolverines hosted Kentucky defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver for a visit over the weekend. Silver has Michigan in his Top 4 along with Miami, Florida and USC and is expected to make a decision at some point this week.
Michigan is also monitoring LSU defensive line transfer Jay’Viar Suggs and Louisiana Tech defensive line transfer David Blay. Both could be options depending on what happens with Silver and Payne.
The Wolverines’ push for defensive line help is no surprise considering Mason Graham has declared for the NFL Draft and Kenneth Grant could soon follow. However, Grant has yet to make an official decision.
Michigan has added four players out of the transfer portal this month — Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley, Cal Poly offensive tackle Brady Norton, and Arkansas defensive backs TJ Metcalf and Tevis Metcalf.
