Recruiting Q&A with Georgia 2025 four-star OL Alex Payne
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Georgia defensive ends and linebackers seeing Gainesville High School on the schedule know they are in for a long Friday night with Alex Payne at left tackle. The 6-5, 270-pound, big man is a mauler with technique using his size and wingspan to keep opposing 6A defenders out of the pocket and away from his running backs. Four-star status has been given to the 2025 prospect along with 16 scholarship opportunities. Recruiting focus is sharpening with fall visits taken and spring trips lining up.
Q&A with Alex Payne
Alex, the Red Elephants had a fantastic season (12-1), how did the 2023 season go for you?
“It went great; it was amazing. All that I could have planned out, it went to plan for me. We didn’t get to state, that was the only bump in the road. Leading wise, it was perfect. I could not have asked for better teammates.”
Gainesville had a balanced attack allowing you to work on your pass set and run blocking, what were your biggest improvements for you on the field this season?
“My biggest improvements were my pass sets and down blocks. I used to stand up high on down blocks, but after training I got lower and lower. With my pass sets, I could feel myself getting back there faster.”
This offseason, what’s the focus for you?
“Everything. I will focus all around on everything – training, my kick step, down blocks, footspeed, getting stronger – everything.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have 16 offers.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?
“Clemson was talking to me a bit; that would be a great offer. I would not complain about a Clemson offer. That is probably it.”
Which teams are in regular contact with you?
“Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Duke, Florida State has been, Wake Forest, I have talked to Penn State, and Cincinnati a lot. Cincinnati is really cool, and they have a good team.”
Have any college coaches come by Gainesville to see you in person lately?
“Coach (Ron) Crook (OL – Virginia Tech) has come up there, some recruiters from Georgia Tech, some from North Carolina, Kentucky, that was the first coach I talked to, and coach (Mike) Norvell (FSU) too.”
Which teams hosted you on game-days this fall?
“I went on a lot of game-day visits; I went to every college that has offered me except for Cincinnati. I am trying to get to Penn State. I am trying to set up visits with them this summer.”
Which visits stood out to you?
“Florida State, North Carolina, Duke, and Georgia Tech.”
What did you do while in Tallahassee?
“There was a lot going on. It was cool. There was a lot to take in. I talked to their coaches and interacted with the players on the sidelines; that doesn’t normally happen. I am glad I got to talk to them. I saw some from the camp I went to and connected with them then.”
Tell me about the Georgia Tech visit.
“It was pretty cool. There was a concert going on right outside the recruit gate. It was lively there with a lot going on. I felt at home there.”
You mentioned some visits you may take in 2024, where all might you go?
“I want to go up north to Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Penn State, and Liberty. Down here, I want to go to Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest, and a couple of others that I will talk out with my parents.”