Jamaal Payton '13 Recruiting Profile

I am a highly motivated football player and have a passion for the game highly comparable to my passion for being one of the most educated people in any given room. Football to me and for me is more than just a game; Football is a gateway and trampoline into life, to open up many opportunities and doors along the road. Ever since the 6th grade, when I started playing, football has been bringing out my best qualities. It has helped me to overcome challenges and barriers, teaching me qualities that are applied to my everyday life like hard work, dedication and discipline. Football has taught me the importance of shooting for my best – especially when I feel tired, challenged or even superior to the task at hand. I feel these qualities reflect the importance of desire. College football and higher learning has always been a dream of mine and I am willing to do whatever it takes to become GREAT, to be a living legend. I do not only compete against my teammates; I am competing against the best of the best in the NATION. My drive never stops on or off the field. This drives me to wake up and grind at 530 a.m. I take every aspect of the game seriously, especially the weight room, recovery, and special teams, in which I feel are the differences in being GREAT, good or average. I have dreams to go to the league, but my fall back plan is to graduate with honors and achieve my goal of a doctorate degree in Engineering. I have won numerous honors including Conference Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, leadership/Captain Award, All Area and All state honorable mention. My coaches say I’m like a sponge always sucking up as much wisdom and knowledge as possible at any given time, making me a very coachable guy. At the next level I will undoubtedly turn heads and surely enhance the team and athletic program where I choose to participate.