UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Former Penn State safety Lamont Payne Jr. Announced Tuesday he will continue his football career at Delaware State University, seeking increased playing time and a fresh start after three seasons with the Nittany Lions. The move comes as players across college football utilize the transfer portal to find programs that better suit their athletic and academic goals.
Payne, a three-star recruit out of Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, entered the transfer portal earlier this month, according to reporting from Onward State and The Daily Collegian. He confirmed his commitment to Delaware State via an Instagram post on Tuesday. The Hornets compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conference.
During his time at Penn State, Payne appeared in seven games, primarily on special teams, and did not record any tackles, according to The Daily Collegian. Despite limited game action, he was recognized for his efforts during practice, earning Developmental Squad Defensive Player of the Week honors twice during his freshman season in 2023.
Recruitment and Early Years
Payne arrived at Penn State as a highly-regarded prospect, ranked as the No. 10 player in Pennsylvania and the No. 60 cornerback nationally by 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He totaled 43 tackles and four interceptions as a senior at Chartiers Valley High School. While he didn’t immediately break into the Nittany Lions’ defensive lineup, his dedication to the program was acknowledged by the coaching staff.
Transfer Portal Trends
Payne’s decision to transfer is part of a growing trend in college football, where athletes are increasingly leveraging the NCAA’s transfer portal to pursue opportunities that offer a clearer path to playing time. The portal allows student-athletes to explore other schools while maintaining their eligibility. This has led to significant roster turnover across the country, as players seek programs where they can maximize their potential.
What’s Next for Payne
With two years of eligibility remaining, Payne will join a Delaware State program looking to build on recent successes. The Hornets finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record. He will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role and contribute to the Hornets’ defense. The transfer provides Payne with a chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn All-MEAC honors.
The Penn State football program, meanwhile, continues to navigate the transfer portal as it prepares for the 2024 season. The team is currently focused on spring practice and finalizing its roster ahead of the upcoming campaign. News of Payne’s transfer comes as the program also addresses coaching changes, with reports of a new wide receivers coach, Kashif Moore, according to The Daily Collegian.
Payne’s Instagram announcement can be viewed here.
The next key date for Penn State football is its Blue-White Game on April 13, 2024, which will provide fans with their first look at the team’s updated roster and new coaching staff.
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