Five-star defensive tackle Daron Payne commits to Alabama
Daron Payne, a heralded senior prospect who attends Shades Valley (Ala.) High, announced on Friday that he has verbally committed to Alabama.
Payne is the No. 3 defensive tackle and No. 21 player in the class of 2015, according to the recruiting website Rivals.com.
The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder also drew scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida State and Ole Miss, among other programs.
Payne is the fifth five-star prospect in the class of 2015 to commit to the Crimson Tide, joining quarterback Blake Barnett, wide receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Deionte Thompson.
Payne, who reportedly plans to take visits to schools in January, explained why he chose Alabama.
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"It's a school where I feel they can better me as a player," Payne said. "I like Alabama because of their development history, the facilities and the coaching staff.
"They were showing me some film. They were telling me how they don't really run a 3-4 defense anymore. They use different front and rotate guys in and out. They said they want to use me inside-out."
Alabama's 2015 recruiting class is ranked No. 1 in the country by Rivals.
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