The Huskers’ 2021 recruiting class has gotten smaller by one.
That’s what happened after Patrick Payton, a 3-star outside linebacker from Miami, announced that he was leaving the class. He made his announcement on Twitter during Nebraska’s game against Purdue.
— Reaper’s Child👿 (@PatPayton6) December 5, 2020
Payton (6-5, 205) picked Nebraska over in-state schools including Florida, Florida State and Miami. He also holds offers from schools like Penn State, Mississippi State and Louisville. He was an All-State selection as a junior and followed that up with a big senior season.
The edge rusher has been on the radar for most as someone who could be more of a soft commitment. He attends Miami Northwestern, the same high school that recently departed Huskers Marcus Fleming and Ronald Delancy attended.
The Huskers were hoping to hang on to Payton who had the potential to be the best pass rushing prospect in the class. He racked up 17.5 sacks during his junior season.
The Huskers are now left with three linebackers in the 2021 recruiting class. Randolph Kpai, Seth Malcom and Mikai Gbayor are still committed. Nebraska also has an incoming transfer linebacker Chris Kolaveric.
Nebraska will look to add at least one more linebacker to the current group.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
