Payton Wilson

LB

#41

Experience: R

Height: 6-4

Age: 24

Weight: 242 lbs

College: N.C. State

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Biography

Payton Wilson was the winner of the 2023 Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker, and the Bednarik Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player.

PRO CAREER

Has yet to make NFL debut

COLLEGE

2023 Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker)
2023 Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player)
2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year
2023 Unanimous First-Team All-American (AP, AFCA, FWAA, Walter Camp and the Sporting News, along with CBS Sports, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, PFF, College Football Network, Bleacher Report)
Fourth unanimous consensus All-American in school history
Led the ACC and ranked fifth in the FBS in tackles with 11.5 per game
Boasted 17.5 TFL for the season - the 10th best mark in school history
Registered 138 total tackles
Recorded a pick six in the win over Clemson
Led the ACC in tackles for loss, ranked 10th in sacks and fifth in fumbles recovered
Named the ACC Linebacker of the Week for the UConn, Louisville, Marshall, Clemson and UNC games
Recorded 23 career double-figure tackle outputs, including nine in 2023

PERSONAL

Played outside linebacker at Orange H.S.
Tallied 266 tackles, 70 TFLs, 24 sacks and two interceptions
Registered 103 tackles, including 21 for loss and 10 sacks, plus a pick-six, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery as a senior
Also rushed 67 times for 222 yards and five TDs and pulled down 15 receptions for 263 yards and four TDs
Named the Raleigh News & Observer's Player of the Year and the Male Athlete of the Year/ Also named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Year
Selected to the U.S. Army All-American Game
Won a state championship in wrestling and also played lacrosse
No. 67 prospect nationally by 247sports.com
No. 4 outside linebacker nationally and No. 3 prospect in North Carolina
Brother, Bryse, is a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers
Graduated in December of 2022 with a degree in education