Three-star defensive end Jamari Payne commits to Purdue

It has been another busy week for Purdue in building the 2024 recruiting class, with three-star defensive end Jamari Payne becoming the third commitment in early July. Payne was a late addition to the official visit list in West Lafayette last month, visiting campus from June 23-25.

The Loachapoka, Alabama native chose the Boilermakers over the likes of Ole Miss, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi State and Memphis, among others.

During a standout junior campaign, Payne recorded 61 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Payne earned second-team All-State honors for his performance along Loachapoka's defensive line in 2022. He also has experience as a defensive tackle, tight end, running back and wide receiver.

The Boilermakers' newest commit thrives as both a run stopper and pass rusher, possessing impressive athleticism for his size. Payne has the speed and strength to become a potential difference-maker off the edge in Purdue's Air Strike defense.

Payne was recruited by both defensive line coach Brick Haley and outside linebacker coach Joe Dineen, and he will likely fit into one of those two position groups when he gets to West Lafayette. The 255-pound defender is the second commitment in the front seven for the Boilermakers, joining three-star defensive end Caleb Mitchell Irving.

Purdue's recruiting class has now reached the 20-member mark with the addition of Payne. The Boilermakers now own the 18th-ranked class in the nation and sixth-best in the Big Ten, according to the Rivals 2024 team recruiting rankings.