Newsstand: Michigan officially announces addition of Alabama DT transfer Damon Payne Jr.
Tweets Of The Day
Alabama defensive tackle transfer Damon Payne Jr. committed to Michigan Wednesday night. The program officially announced him as an addition and new member of the Wolverines Friday afternoon, with Payne signing with his new school. The Belleville (Mich.) High product produced 30 tackles over four seasons with the Crimson Tide.
More on Payne Jr. from The Wolverine’s Anthony Broome:
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.
Michigan needs the veteran help at defensive tackle with Mason Graham declaring for the NFL Draft and his classmate Kenneth Grant expected to join him. Payne projects to fill a rotational role up front and could compete for a starting job next year with Rayshaun Benny if he elects to return for a fifth season. Both were star defensive tackle prospects at the prep level in Michigan during their high school years.
Michigan women’s basketball picked up a blowout win over Akron, downing them 96-55. Greta Kampschroeder led the Wolverines with 23 points, making 5 of her 9 looks from three-point distance.
The Wolverines are off until Dec. 29, when they’ll take on USC in Los Angeles. They’ll stay out west and take on UCLA Jan. 1.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel joined Jon Jansen on the Conqu’ring Heroes podcast this week, discussing the latest on the athletic department, his final year on the CFP committee and more.
Headlines Of The Day
“I think the GM, Sean Magee, is doing a fantastic job. In today’s college football world, that’s an important piece. The schools benefit from the players. Michigan jumping in the game to support their players is a huge step forward. It’s going to help them get back to the national championship… A big part of his decision was to be able to be a part of Michigan’s business program. He’s very excited about that. He’ll be going to grad school.”
— Daryl Graham, the long time mentor and trainer of Payne Jr. on Michigan GM Sean Magee
Quote Of The Day
• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Mentor of Damon Payne talks chaotic transfer to Michigan, scheme fit, much more
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Where are they headed? Transfer destinations for departing Michigan players
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Michigan football in the mix for No. 1 available defensive tackle in transfer portal
• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: On300 RB Javian Mallory still high on Michigan, looking to make return visit
• Anthony Broome, The Wolverine: Michigan football offseason tracker (Dec. 20): Coaching moves, transfer portal, NFL Draft, more
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