Kwity Paye (image via Twitter)
Name: Kwity Paye
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Warwick (RI) Bishop Hendricken
Position: Weakside defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Paye was a senior in high school. He made 65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks; he also ran the ball 44 times for 651 yards and 13 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 81
Paye was a standout running back for Bishop Hendricken, maybe more so than he was a defensive player. But he was still good enough to get invited to the Under Armour All-American Game, albeit after a fan vote. Paye didn’t play a ton in the all-star game, but he didn’t play particularly poorly when he got in, either. There’s a lot to like about him with plus athleticism and good size. He’s just pretty raw as a pass rusher, and if his speed rush doesn’t get him a win, he doesn’t have much else in his arsenal.
My rating of him at 81 is probably higher than most expected for a nondescript 3-star, but there’s no denying that Greg Mattison and Don Brown know how to develop defensive linemen and defensive players, in general. If you stick around at Michigan, you generally get to be pretty good. I’m counting on Mattison to take Paye’s running back talent and mold him into a solid player, but it probably won’t happen this year. He’s behind a couple guys, and that probably includes fellow freshman Luiji Vilain. Unless the coaching staff sees some undeniable value in using Paye on special teams, I expect him to redshirt.
Prediction: Redshirt
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this dude should be fun to follow as he develops and progresses thru the program. based on some of the coaches comments and perceived attitude toward him along with his measurables, body type, attitude, apparent agility, and whatnot, paye is a legit prospect.
im sure the staff cant wait to get their hands on him and begin the process. you know don brown envisions a versatile terror and theres a good chance he and coach matty get this kid there. seems like hes got his head in the right place, will put in the work, and will accept and apply coaching.
hes obviously raw and must add to his game and refine other areas so i can understand why hes underrated but i like his potential – more so than other DL prospects like malone-hatcher, irving-bey, paea, etc.
Though I think some of those dudes are currently better suited to OL and others vastly overrated (namely Malone-hatcher though I guess id be slightly higher on his potential if he were playing anchor not WDE).
Bottom line, I agree with the coaches in that they likely got a steal in paye. Whether he plays at 250-255 or ultimately jacked up at like 280, I think hes a player. Has a chance to develop into an impact guy and im psyched to see how he looks out there after some serious coaching and work
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15 yards per carry! Here’s hoping he takes a few back from the defensive side of the ball!
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I really like the play where the maroon team options Paye, he steps inside and the QB gives it to the RB anyway. “Here, you take it, I’m pretty sure I don’t want him hitting me.”
Maroon in about right. How on earth does a professional high school football coach think it’s a good idea to leave a kid with that kind of make up speed, unblocked.
I also like the one where the plump little, future chemistry major, probably backup guard decides that he’s not even gonna try to block him. “Just go ahead. Try not to hurt my friend.”
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Pass rush specialists can contribute as true freshman, but Paye and Michigan may have the luxury of red-shirting him with Villain (presumably) more likely to make an impact.
Wouldn’t surprise me though if both play early in the year to sort it out.
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