2023 • TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON
Redshirt season...Appeared in three games...Named the coaching staff's Developmental Squad Defensive Player of the Week twice (Iowa, 9/23; Rutgers, 11/18).
HIGH SCHOOL
Played for head coach Aaron Fitzpatrick at Chartiers Valley High School...Was a three-year letterman and a team captain as a senior...Was named all-state in Class 4A...Earned two All-Parkway Conference honors as a defensive back...Tallied 19 receptions for 380 yards to go along with 43 tackles and four interceptions as a senior...Collected 26 catches for 343 yards, 26 tackles and an interception as a junior...Registered 33 receptions for 431 yards, 22 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups as a sophomore...Rated a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star prospect by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN... Ranked as the No. 35 cornerback in the class and the No. 4 prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals...Rated as the No. 72 cornerback in the class and the No. 14 prospect in Pennsylvania by 247Sports...Tabbed as the No. 77 cornerback in class and the No. 16 player in PA by On3...Ranked as the No. 20 player in the state by ESPN...Made the high honor roll at Chartiers Valley...Was a three-year letterman in track, competing in the 100, 200, 400, 4x100 and 4x400.
PERSONAL
Full name is Lamont Alexsander Payne Jr...Son of Lamont and Shatara Payne...Has four sisters, Lascionna, Naeima, Ahmena and Alilah...Grandfather, William Major Evans Jr., played football at West Virginia (1978-81), helping the Mountaineers to Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl wins before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers...Hobbies include basketball, digital art, video games, paintball, spending time with family and fishing...Intends to major in special education.