This one is a no for Kentucky. Five-star All-American defensive lineman Damon Payne has decided to roll with the tide for his collegiate career, picking Alabama over his other ten finalists, which included Kentucky, University of Southern California and Arizona State at the top of his list. Payne becomes Alabama’s fourth 5-star commit and eighth top-100 prospect. He’s the No. 1 defensive tackle in America for the 2021 class, according to the 247 Sports Composite Rankings,
Payne, a Michigan native, made the announcement on CBS Sports HQ Sunday afternoon, saying he believes Alabama is the place he can see himself excelling the most in both athletics and academics.