The Michigan football team is rounding out its defensive line this offseason with the addition of Damon Payne, a former Alabama Crimson Tide lineman and Michigan native. Payne’s return to his home state was a significant acquisition for the Wolverines, adding depth, experience, and raw power to their defensive front.
Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native, was a highly coveted recruit in the 2021 class. Rated as the No. 1 player in Michigan and the No. 2 defensive tackle nationally, he committed to Alabama, where he spent three seasons developing under one of college football’s premier defensive coaching staffs.
Despite limited playing time in a deep and talented Crimson Tide defensive rotation, he appeared in a majority of Alabama’s games in his second and third season with them, combining for 30 combined tackles in his three year career, according to Sports Reference.
At 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds, Payne's combination of strength, quick hands, and ability to disrupt both the run and passing game makes him an asset for Michigan’s defense.
The Wolverines, known for producing dominant defensive linemen in recent years, will look to Payne to step in and contribute immediately, particularly after the departure of key players from their 2024 national championship-winning team.
Michigan football provides Payne with a fresh start and an opportunity to make a significant impact. He joins a program that values strong defensive play, and under new leadership, if he can build on his experience from Alabama, Payne could become a key contributor for the Wolverines in the upcoming season.