NC State commitment analysis: 3-star OL Kage Payne

Kage Payne flipped his commitment from Troy to NC State Tuesday night after picking up an offer from the ACC program last week. The three-star interior offensive lineman quickly jumped on the chance to run with the Wolfpack.

After camping in front of the staff on four different occasions during his high school career, he earned the NC State scholarship and joined the class after committing to Troy in June. Payne, who instantly earns himself a spot on the all-name team, also held offers from Syracuse, James Madison and many other Group of Five programs.

He is the No. 17 commit in a Wolfpack class that now ranks No. 44 nationally and No. 10 in the ACC. On3 considers Payne the No. 143 interior offensive lineman in the country and the No. 71 recruit in Ohio’s 2025 class.

What’s next for NC State’s offensive line board?

NC State now holds three commitments along the offensive line— three-star tackle Michael Gibbs, three-star center Isaac Sowells Jr. and Payne. Going into the summer, the Pack planned on taking three offensive lineman. That number has now changed with the expanded scholarship limit.

Keep and eye on Daniel Pierre Louis moving forward. The 6-4, 290-pound tackle prospect from Florida picked up an offer from NC State earlier this month and is strongly considering the program. He hopes to visit Raleigh later this year. Florida State and Memphis are the Wolfpack’s main competition.

Kage Payne stood out to the staff at camp

During his most recent trip to NC State, Payne measured 6-2.3, 285 pounds with a wingspan of 78 3/4 inches. He impressed the staff with his football IQ, quickness, ability to change direction and his power on the field. Payne is also a coach’s kid, which appeals to NC State. The Pack has been recruiting him for a long time, and this offer did not come out of nowhere.

The lineman projects as a guard

On3 lists Payne at 6-4, but his official measurements from NC State are a bit shorter, which means he will likely spend his time on the interior of the Wolfpack’s line. His impressive wing span helps stands out and should help him at the collegiate level. He spent most of his junior season highlight tape at right guard with Kings-Mills (Ohio) High. In that film, he finished his blocks with aggression and also showed the quickness needed to pull and get to the second level on his blocks.

Payne’s junior season highlights

Class of 2025 Commitment Timeline

June 27, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star quarterback Will Wilson, Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast
Aug. 12, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star tight end Gus Ritchey, Cary (N.C.) High
March 22, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Colby Cronk, Palm Coast (Fla.) Flagler Palm Coast High
May 4, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star safety Tristan Teasdell, Leesburg (Va.) Tuscarora High
June 9, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Jamar Browder, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 11, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Caden Gordon, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 21, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Cam Strong, Anderson (S.C.) T L Hanna High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Arrion Concepcion, Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star running back RJ Boyd, Waycross (Ga.) Ware County High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Jerel Bolder, Marshville (N.C.) Forest Hills High
June 24, 2024— Defensive lineman Omarian Abraham, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage High
June 30, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Michael Gibbs, Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard High
July 4, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Makhi Williams-Lee, Atlanta (Ga.) Lakeside High
July 5, 2024— On3 Industry three-star running back Kentrell Rinehart, Columbus (Ohio) Westland High
July 18, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Mykah Newton, Newberry (Fla.) High
July 18, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Isaac Sowells Jr., Louisville (KY) Male High
Aug. 14, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Kage Payne, Kings Mills (Ohio) High

Commits By Position

Quarterback — 1
Running back — 2
Wide receiver — 3
Tight end — 1
Offensive line — 3
Defensive line — 4
Linebacker — 0
Nickel — 0
Safety — 1
Cornerback — 2

Commits By State

North Carolina — 4
South Carolina — 2
Florida — 5
Georgia — 2
Virginia — 1
Ohio— 2
Kentucky— 1

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