FSU football: Top 15 important defensive players for 2023 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Patrick Payton
I’m excited to watch Patrick Payton’s continued development into the 2023 season. Most folks don’t realize Payton only played in one game his freshman season and went into 2022 with little to no experience.
However, that quickly changed once Jared Verse got hurt against Louisville and missed some time before playing on a limited basis while rehabbing.
Payton didn’t contribute much in the first few games, but began to assert himself once Verse went down. He had five tackles against Wake Forest, six against NC State, and four against Clemson.
All five of his sacks came against Power 5 competition. That production earned him ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year honors.
Payton will go into the season with that experience and confidence, plus FSU is counting on him with the departure of Derrick McLendon.
He’s a player that’s only scratching the surface of his ability, and I believe will be vital to FSU’s defensive success.