VJ Payne

Last updated

VJ Payne
No. 7 – Kansas State Wildcats
Position Safety
ClassSenior
Personal information
Born (2004-03-17) March 17, 2004 (age 21)
Gainesville, Georgia, U.S.
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight208 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school Buford (Buford, Georgia)
College Kansas State (2022–present)
Stats at ESPN

VJ Payne (born March 17, 2004) is an American football safety for the Kansas State Wildcats.

Contents

Early life and high school

Payne attended Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. He was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Kansas State Wildcats. [1]

College career

As a freshman in 2022, Payne played in all 14 games and made four starts, including in the Big 12 Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl. [2] [3] In 2023, he recorded 57 tackles and an interception. [4] In 2024, Payne started all 13 games, where he totaled 64 tackles with three and a half being for a loss, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning honorable mention all-Big 12 honors. [5] [6] He earned an invitation to participate in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl. [7]

References

  1. ↑ Black, Ryan (September 19, 2021). "Georgia defensive back VJ Payne becomes newest commit of Kansas State's 2022 class". The Mercury. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  2. ↑ Green, Arne (August 27, 2023). "What's next for Kansas State football sophomore defensive backs VJ Payne, Jacob Parrish?". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  3. ↑ Green, Arne (August 1, 2025). "Kansas State football preview 2025: Senior VJ Payne the lone returning starter at safety". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  4. ↑ Green, Arne (July 14, 2024). "Talent and experience have made Kansas State football's secondary a defensive strength". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  5. ↑ Robinett, Kellis. "Why VJ Payne can be Kansas State's best defensive back of the Chris Klieman era". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  6. ↑ Green, Arne (May 14, 2025). "Kansas State football safety VJ Payne is on the fast track to a career in the NFL". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  7. ↑ Maitra, Shayni. "Kansas State Duo Sam Hecht and VJ Payne Receive Shine Bowl Invitations". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
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