Interview: 4-Star 2023 Florida Talent Payton Kirkland is That Cornerstone LT to Build Around
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One can’t help but think when the football gods were putting together that next big talent for fans and college football staffs to “oh” and “ahh” over they created Payton Kirkland. Beyond destroying defenders with his size (6-7.5, 330), Kirkland has above the grade strength and athleticism capable of piledriving a defensive lineman on every play. With the size and strength comes his developing technique that almost makes the game look too easy; like anyone can throw around Florida 8A players. But in more ways than one, Kirkland is in rarified air. Dr. Phillips’ Class of 2023 First Team MaxPreps All-American has hauled in 51 scholarship offers making him one of the most coveted players in the country.
In an RNG first-look interview, Kirkland updates us on his offseason workouts with insight on his ongoing recruiting process.
Interview
Payton, your strength and size alone allows you to dominate 8A Florida defenders in way few can. During the 2020 season, did opposing defensive linemen talk trash to you or try to keep quiet to not further upset you?
I don’t talk on the field, but in some rivalry games, there were some defensive linemen that would talk.
Wearing dudes down the way that you did, when did you typically see that breaking point in a game for the linemen and linebackers you were crushing?
I’d say that first drive after halftime.
You lined up at right tackle last season, are you keeping that role and/or doing anything differently this fall?
I am playing left tackle this fall.
What have you been working on with your pass-pro this summer?
Getting out of my stance and starting the lawn mower, my stab and grab.
And what about with your run blocking?
Hip explosion, hip flexibility, and getting under people.
Are you getting some time in on defense this fall?
Yes, in the red zone I will be playing a 1-tech.
Which lifts and/or exercises have you been doing to bring more power and agility to your skillset?
Hang cleans and we do a lot of power cleans. I have been working on explosion and upper body strength – the usual stuff.
What are your weight room maxes?
My bench is 435, my squat is 515, and my clean is 300.
Very impressive.
Thank you.
Did you compete at any college camps this summer?
Yes, I went to a Georgia camp.
What was the Georgia camp like for you?
It was good. It was high intensity. Their staff was excited to see me in person for the first time. I got to work with their offensive line coach.
Let’s get into recruiting. How many offers do you have?
I have 51 offers.
Wow. Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Louisville, LSU, Texas, and Ole Miss re-offered.
Kirkland’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Howard, Indiana, Jackson State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, LSU, Marshall, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina A&T, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, USC, USF, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
Are there any schools showing interest that have not offered yet?
I have yet to talk to Alabama. Clemson is showing interest.
Because you have SO many offers, how do you handle the requests for your time with the various college coaches?
Whenever my coach tells me to call a coach, I will call him and we chop it up from there.
Did you get to visit any programs this summer?
Yes. My first visit was to Georgia Tech and then I went to Georgia’s camp and visited. After that, I visited Miami, Clemson, Florida State, and UCF. I am going to Ohio State and Michigan in two weeks.
How did the Miami visit go?
It went great. They showed a lot of love. I got to sit down and talk to the coaches.
What all did you see and do during the Clemson visit?
At Clemson, I got to watch Coach (Robbie) Caldwell (OL) at the camp. I got to talk to the staff and watch film with them too.
Payton, thank you for your time today. It was great going over your offseason workouts and visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Kirkland family; Payton Kirkland