Pheldarius

Payne

The front office also waived DT Pheldarius Payne and officially signed undrafted free agent RB Ulysses Bentley IV. Mafi and Payne could find their way back to the Colts’ practice squad at some point.

Payne (6'3/260) entered the transfer portal in early December only to withdraw his name less than two weeks later. Now, He appears set on leaving Nebraska with his re-entry into the portal. Payne played two years at Nebraska and totaled 38 tackles, 18 quarterback pressures and three sacks according to Pro Football Focus. Payne has shown some flash as a pass rusher in limited action, and could be a strong contributor for a team in need of his services. A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Payne transferred to Nebraska from Lackawanna Community College, and had also received offers from NC State and Liberty.

Payne (6'3/260) spent all of 11 days in the transfer portal before withdrawing his name and opting to remain at Nebraska. This season, Payne totaled 19 tackles including 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks for the Cornhuskers and has 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in his two years with the program.

Payne (6'3"/260) was a pass rushing specialist for the Cornhuskers and accrued 2.5 TFLs and two sacks in eight games. He was a top ranked JUCO prospect in 2019 before committing to Nebraska (after committing to NC State) and it seems he’ll be on the move again.

Payne commits to the Wolfpack over schools like Penn State, Syracuse and Florida; although the only known offers for Payne at this point were NC State and Liberty. That doesn’t mean the offers aren’t coming, however, and Payne not only ranks as the top JUCO DE in the class in the 247Sports composite rankings, he ranks 10th overall. You really never know, but it sounds like Payne (6'3/265) could be an immediate contribute for the ACC club when he enrolls in 2020.