When a player transitions from the JUCO ranks, expectations are often low. He gets no attention from the NFL, and the Division 1 colleges overlook him entirely when it comes to scholarships. That’s why few players reach the top and often stumble, even when their talent is evident. It seems that a situation akin to this could have unfolded with Pheldarius Payne, the linebacker from Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania. When he began delivering those outstanding performances, guiding the college to the 2019 NJCAA National Championship, even the major programs couldn’t help but take notice. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Payne kept pushing forward and has now officially joined a UFL team, paving the way for a professional career.

After his incredible JUCO season in 2019, rec

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