Two former Kansas State football players earned invitations to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 11, and one of them just put himself on the map in his latest workout.
Defensive back VJ Payne’s speed and agility were on full display Saturday, proving his ability to compete with the best at the highest level.
Former Wildcats defensive back VJ Payne shines among other NFL talents
Beyond just basic athleticism, Payne’s latest numbers might surprise you, and explain why NFL scouts are taking notice.
.@payne_vj put in that work#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/f6f2Ifu02N
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) February 28, 2026
Payne was the only defensive back from the 2025 Kansas State roster to earn a Combine invite. Over four years with the Wildcats, he totaled 207 tackles (142 solo), four forced fumbles, logged a sack, and came away with four interceptions.
In Manhattan, he played safety and was the top backfield contributor behind linebackers Desmond Purnell and Austin Romaine. Among the defensive backs, the fourth-year senior stood alone.
At the Combine, Payne ran a 4.40 40-yard dash, posted a 35-inch vertical, and broad jumped 10 feet, 7 inches. A report from Pride of Detroit calls the 6’3” safety “criminally underrated.” With those numbers, it’s easy to see why.
NFL.com gives Payne a prospect grade of 6.14 and notes a 1.52-second 10-yard split. His production score is around average, but his athleticism ranks in the top five — pretty impressive from the former Wildcat.
High expectations awaiting Wildcats former center Sam Hecht
Sam Hecht’s pre-workout profile isn’t far off, either. Ahead of his slot, NFL.com grades him at 6.25 with the headline “will eventually be an average starter.”
The former center’s time at Kansas State is highlighted by 759 offensive snaps without a single penalty. Like Payne, he spent his entire career with the Wildcats before stepping into the role of starting center.
Hecht’s Combine workouts are still to come. If he posts anything similar to what he did at Kansas State, he’ll be the second former Wildcat to grab the nation's attention.
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