Former Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne, who reportedly visited the Falcons on Thursday, is one of the top players in the NFL Draft, which is set for April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas.
He spoke about his career at with the Crimson Tide and his pro prospects at the scouring combine:
Q: What is it about Alabama that they produce so many defensive linemen?
A: Definitely just the way we work. The D-line, we've always got the mentality that we want to be the best D-line in the country, and then we try to bring that into every day at practice and just our work ethic every day. I think that's what gets us here.
Q: What was like to make that interception in the playoff game and a touchdown catch?
A: After the interception, I kind of knew. I knew they told me they were going to run the play, but I didn't know they were going to run it right then. It was a bunch of fun. I didn't expect it all to happen just so fast. I don't know, I was just grateful for the opportunity.
Q: How strong are you?
A: I can put up some weight, little bit. (He lifted 225 pounds, 27 times at the scouting combine.)
Q: How did you develop your strength?
A: In high school, my high school coaches, they pushed me a bunch in the weight room, they didn't want nothing but greatness. I went in every day and just tried to beat my numbers every day. I just tried to keep being consistent at it and keep building. I think it got me to where I'm at today.
Q: Who do you try to pattern your game after?
A: Coming out of high school, I watched a lot of Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus, Fletcher Cox been ballin', Aaron Donald, I try to look at them guys and then see what I can take from their game and just try to implement it in my game.
