MANHATTAN, Kan. (KCTV) – After a four-year career with the K-State Wildcats, safety VJ Payne is on his way to the NFL.
On Saturday, the safety from Buford, Georgia, was drafted in the 7th round by the New York Jets.
Payne, a 6-foot-3 defensive back who signed with former K-State head coach Chris Klieman and the Wildcats as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022, becomes the fifth defensive back to reach the NFL from K-State in the last four seasons.
During his college career, Payne played in 52 games for the Wildcats, which tied for 11th-most in K-State history. His 42 career starts, including 41 consecutive starts to end his career, was the longest streak on the team as of his departure.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said Payne’s size and length are enticing for NFL evaluators.
“He reads and responds with good timing from depth and uses his length to smother the catch point in man coverage when matched inside,” Zierlein said in his pre-draft evaluation of Payne. “(His) measurables and coverage versatility improve his chances of becoming a productive pro.”
Kansas State safety VJ Payne (19) comes down with an interception against Tulane wide receiver Yulkeith Brown (5) next to Kansas State safety Marques Sigle (21) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)(Matthew Hinton | AP)
Payne was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection in 2025 after making 59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, an interception and 4 passes defended.
Payne concluded his college career with 207 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, 4 fumbles forced and 1 fumble recovered.
His journey to K-State included him picking the Wildcats over offers from Florida State, Boston College and Vanderbilt.
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