Five things about Patrick Payton, the transfer, that LSU football fans should be aware of

LSU football has a rich history of attracting top-tier talent, and their recent addition of transfer edge rusher Patrick Payton from the University of Miami has raised the bar even higher. Payton, a highly talented defensive player, brings a set of skills and potential that LSU fans should be excited about, especially given the program’s ongoing commitment to dominating on both sides of the ball in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

In the ever-competitive world of college football, the transfer portal has become a key avenue for schools to boost their rosters with immediate impact players. Payton, who originally played for the Miami Hurricanes, is one such player who has made a significant move, and now LSU football fans should take note of what he can bring to the table.

Here are five important things LSU fans should know about Patrick Payton and why his presence on the team could play a crucial role in the Tigers’ defensive unit.

1. A Pass-Rushing Phenomenon with Elite Potential

One of the most exciting aspects of Patrick Payton’s game is his ability to get after the quarterback. In his time at Miami, Payton quickly established himself as a dominant pass rusher. While he was still refining his technique during his initial years, his raw talent and athleticism were undeniable. LSU fans can expect him to continue developing into a more refined pass rusher while contributing immediately in 2024.

In his two seasons at Miami, Payton accumulated 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in just 23 games, showcasing a relentless motor and the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His knack for finding the pocket and causing disruption on passing downs will be a huge asset for LSU, especially with the Tigers’ defense focusing on increasing their sack total and improving their overall pressure rate.

LSU’s defensive line, historically known for producing high-caliber edge rushers like Barkevious Mingo and Devin White, could see a resurgence with Payton in the mix. With the SEC loaded with high-powered offenses, having a player like Payton who can create chaos and disrupt the timing of opposing quarterbacks is vital.

His ability to bend the edge, dip under offensive tackles, and explode off the line of scrimmage makes him an ideal fit for the Tigers’ defense. LSU has been on the hunt for another elite pass rusher, and Payton fits the mold perfectly. Expect him to be a focal point on third downs and obvious passing situations in 2024.

2. A Versatile Defensive Weapon with Athleticism

Although Payton is primarily known for his pass-rushing ability, his versatility makes him even more valuable to LSU’s defensive scheme. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Payton has the ideal frame to play as an edge rusher, but his skill set allows him to do much more. He’s capable of playing multiple positions along the front seven, including outside linebacker or even as a traditional defensive end, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.

During his time at Miami, Payton was used in a variety of ways. He was often aligned as a defensive end in the Hurricanes’ 3-4 defense, but at times, he was asked to stand up and function as a linebacker in certain schemes. This positional flexibility will be key to LSU’s defense, as it allows defensive coordinator Matt House to create more exotic blitzes and pressure packages while keeping opponents guessing.

LSU’s defensive schemes will benefit from Payton’s ability to move between the edge rusher role and stand-up linebacker positions, where he can cover ground in short zones and defend the run while maintaining his pass-rush duties. His physicality and high football IQ allow him to excel in multiple facets of the game. Whether it’s rushing the passer, setting the edge on run plays, or dropping into coverage, Payton’s versatility makes him a dynamic weapon in LSU’s defensive arsenal.

3. A High Motor and Relentless Work Ethic

One of the things that stands out most about Payton’s game is his motor. He never seems to stop working, which is a trait that will resonate with LSU fans, who expect relentless effort on every play. While talent and physical ability are key to success, it’s the players who are constantly hustling and never giving up on plays who stand out at the next level.

Payton’s relentless pursuit of the ball carrier and quarterback has been a hallmark of his playing style. He is known for chasing down plays from the back side and for never taking a play off. This is especially important in the high-speed SEC environment, where plays can often go the distance even after initial contact is made. Payton’s ability to stay engaged and consistently fight through blocks, or push his body through double teams, will be vital for LSU as they face some of the most dynamic offenses in the nation.

In a league as competitive as the SEC, having players with an unrelenting work ethic is crucial. Payton’s tenacity on the field will help LSU’s defense stay aggressive, especially as they face high-tempo offenses that demand stamina and mental toughness. Payton’s ability to maintain his energy throughout the game—whether in pursuit of a sack or tracking down a ball carrier—adds a level of intensity to LSU’s defense that is difficult for offenses to match.

4. A Product of the Elite Miami Program

While Miami football has had its ups and downs in recent years, it has still remained one of the premier programs in college football, especially when it comes to producing NFL-caliber talent. Payton was a key player for the Hurricanes’ defense, and his development under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has helped shape him into a formidable edge rusher.

Payton’s time at Miami exposed him to top-tier coaching and the rigorous training that comes with playing in the ACC, one of the more competitive conferences in college football. While Miami may not have been a dominant force during Payton’s tenure, the program’s emphasis on producing defensive players with NFL potential means Payton enters LSU’s program with a strong foundation.

For LSU fans, this is reassuring because Payton isn’t a raw prospect who is learning the game from scratch. He comes to Baton Rouge with two years of Power Five experience, having been coached up in a program that’s known for preparing athletes for the next level. His work ethic and ability to adapt quickly to LSU’s system will help him integrate seamlessly into the Tigers’ defense.

5. A Player with Significant Upside and NFL Potential

One of the biggest reasons why LSU fans should be excited about Patrick Payton is his incredible upside. He is still relatively young in his development and has the potential to become one of the best pass rushers in the country. While he’s already a productive player, Payton’s ceiling remains high, and with the right coaching and experience at LSU, he could develop into a first-round talent in the NFL Draft.

The SEC’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber players is well established, and Payton could benefit greatly from the tutelage of LSU’s defensive coaching staff, including Matt House and defensive line coach Jamar Cain. With LSU’s proven track record of developing elite defensive players, Payton’s trajectory could follow the likes of past Tigers such as Devin White, Glenn Dorsey, and Kerry Vincent Jr., who all made their way to the NFL.

Given his physical tools and his ability to perform in a high-level conference like the ACC, Payton will likely be one of the top players to watch in the SEC for the next couple of years. He will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills on national television as LSU continues to compete for SEC and College Football Playoff berths. If Payton can build on his early success and make the most of his time at LSU, his NFL prospects are very bright.

 A Game-Changer for LSU’s Defense

The addition of Patrick Payton to LSU’s football team is an exciting development for the program, and Tigers fans have every reason to be optimistic about what he brings to the table. His ability as a pass rusher, his versatility along the defensive line, and his relentless work ethic make him an ideal fit for LSU’s defensive system. His previous experience at Miami only adds to the promise, as Payton arrives at LSU already well-coached and prepared for the next step in his football career.

For LSU fans, Payton’s arrival should serve as a major boost to the defense, especially in the pass-rushing department. The Tigers’ defense has been solid in recent years, but with Payton’s addition, it could become even more lethal, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in the SEC. His ceiling remains incredibly high, and if he develops into the player many expect him to become, Payton could be a key factor in LSU’s pursuit of an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth.

In summary, LSU fans should be aware of Payton’s ability to impact the game from the edge, his versatility in multiple positions, and his potential to grow into one of the top defenders in college football. With the combination of these traits, Patrick Payton is poised to be one of the most exciting transfer additions in LSU football history.