Colorado DT Leonard Payne Jr. declares for NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Fri 22nd December, 21:11 2023

Nov 11, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Leonard Payne Jr. (55) before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Rather than be part of a college program for a seventh season, Colorado defensive tackle Leonard Payne Jr. is moving on to the NFL.

Payne posted on Instagram that he has decided to declare for the NFL draft.

"To Buff Nation, I would like to thank you guys for all the love and support throughout the season you guys deserve what's coming your way in Boulder! With that being said I would like to announce I will be pursuing my dreams and entering the 2024 NFL draft."

Payne spent five seasons at Fresno State before moving to Colorado for the 2023 season. He redshirted at Fresno State in 2018 and sat out the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.

He had 10 tackles and two sacks to go with a forced fumble in 12 games for the Buffaloes. Overall, Payne made 45 tackles and collected 7.5 sacks in four on-field seasons.

—Field Level Media