Liberty has picked up its first portal commitment on the defensive side of the ball since the portal opened on January 2 from West Florida transfer edge Lorenzo Payne.
Payne is a 6’1″, 245 pound defensive end who played for the Division II program that went 10-2 this past season. He was named first-team all-conference after recording 23 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries in his first full season playing for West Florida. In 2024, as a freshman, Payne had 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 3 quarterback hurries. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Since entering the portal, Payne has picked up numerous offers including Charlotte, UTEP, Western Kentucky, Georgia State, North Texas, Kent State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, FAU, New Mexico State, and Ohio. He is originally from Apopka, Florida where he attended Apopka High School.
