In this installment of the Recruit Notebook, we meet a talented WR with a wealth of skills that has been locked in with Miami for the better part a year: WR Jeremiah Payton.

Bio

Jeremiah Payton has had a reputation as an elite playmaker for many years, and was known as a local legend during his time as an optimist football player. Hailing from the Jacksonville area, the Neptune Beach (FL) Duncan U. Fletcher standout is an All-American talent with the skills to back it up. Payton was such a star that he was collecting scholarship offers in middle school — before he’d even played a down of high school football. But, when you’re an elite talent such as this, that is common.

Miami pursued Payton heavily through the 2017 season — teams are able to communicate more with HS juniors and Miami took full advantage of that fact. With ace area recruiter Todd Hartley getting on the case, Miami made a big move with Payton in the fall of 2017 leading into New Year’s. After having Payton on campus for an unofficial visit in the spring, the 6’1” WR committed to the Canes shortly after National Signing Day in February 2018.

For his part, Payton shut down communication with other top tier programs who tried to engage with him. He’s 100% locked in with Miami, and has the skills to come to campus in January and step into a major role on the Canes’ offense in 2019.

This was probably as close to the perfect recruitment from Miami’s point of view: early evaluation of a top tier player, quick moves to build a relationship, a timely commitment, and no thought of wavering from commitment to signing. Perfection.

Recruiting Ranking

On the 247sports composite, Payton is a 4-star prospect, the #11 WR nationally in this class, #9 in the State of Florida, and #69 recruit overall.

Payton committed to Miami over several P5 offers, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, and more.

As a Player

Payton has solid size for a receiver at 6’1” 186lbs. He could fill out a bit more, sure, but he’s a lithe, fluid athlete with enough muscle on his frame to be successful at the collegiate level. Payton is known for running crisp routes, and having great hands. Those things will serve him well at the next level, to be sure. Payton also has good moves in the open field, and will routinely make defenders miss in space.

Payton is more quick than he is blazingly fast, but he has enough speed to create separation from defenders. Payton has adequate size, but isn’t the biggest player at the receiver position. And, though he’s a willing blocker, this is an area of his game that could stand to see some development at the collegiate level.

Even with those things being the case, Payton is a very athletic and productive player, and he’s very refined for this stage of his development.

Strengths

• Game-ready
• Route running
• Natural pass catching ability
• Refined, well-rounded skillset
• Quickness

Weaknesses

• Straight-line speed
• Physical development
• Average height
• Blocking

2019 Outlook

Payton has good enough size, and a well-rounded, game-ready skillset that Miami will undoubtedly use in the upcoming season. Miami obviously needs an infusion of new talent at the Receiver position, and Payton fits that bill to a T.

Chances for a redshirt: 0/10

Miami needs Receivers to come in and play, and Payton is going to do just that. He might not start, but he’ll definitely be a rotation player at receiver and should work his way into more playing time as the season progresses.

That’s it for this installment of The Recruit Notebook.

Go Canes