Patrick Payton looking to pass knowledge to young players during spring

Florida State defensive lineman Patrick Payton has learned a lot it his first two seasons with the Seminoles and is ready to pass on those lessons. Payton remembers when he first arrived in Tallahassee in 2021 and how much he has grown since, and he wants to help this year’s class of incoming freshman do the same.

That includes four-star prospect Lamont “Boots” Green Jr., who ranked as the No. 279 overall player and No. 28 edge rusher according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting services.

“I help all of them,” Payton said. “I wouldn’t say I know the most, but I’ve got a great understanding about it. A guy like Boots — every time I see Boots, if he feels like he made a mistake and gets down on himself, I’ll be like, ‘I was in your situation just a couple years ago. Just keep going. Don’t let all the noise (get to you). Just block it out and try to be your best.’ That’s what I tell him every day.”

After redshirting his freshman season, Payton took a big leap forward in 2022 to earn the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He played in all 13 games to record 31 tackles (six for loss), five sacks and a forced fumble.

Competition on the Florida State defensive line should be fierce in 2023, but with the recent transfer of Derrick McLendon, Patrick Payton will have an opportunity to earn a starting role. Most of the positions are locked up, however, with the returns of stars Jared Verse and Fabian Lovett.

That should give the younger players on the defensive line plenty of examples to learn from. As Payton has learned the past couple of seasons, the spring is the best time to make progress.

“This time of year is very important,” he said. “After the winter program, you’re gonna hit your new PRs. Your new speeds, new jumps. When you come out here and go against an O-lineman or whoever you’re going against, you can really see the difference between what you was doing this year and last year. It’ll make you feel good because you feel like you’re getting better, but you’ve gotta keep doing it every day to reach the mountain at the top.”

The Seminoles freshman will have the next couple of weeks to hone their skills before playing in their first spring game on April 15.