On Saturday afternoon, former Stetson standout Donald Payne received the disappointing news that, despite all of his positive work during the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens, he did not make the 53-man roster for the club.
 
When he met with Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Payne was told they played to sign him to the practice squad, assuming he cleared waivers.
 
On Sunday, Payne was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars and signed to a contract. He has been placed on the 53-man roster for the Jags and will make his official NFL debut next Sunday in Houston when the Jaguars open the 2017 season against the division rival Texans.
 
That game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start next Sunday and will be televised by CBS (WKMG locally).
 
A three-time All-American and Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, Payne is expecting to arrive in Jacksonville later this evening. He said he will take a physical on Monday before officially joining the Jaguars roster.
 
A safety during his career at Stetson, Payne moved to middle linebacker since signing as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens in April. He indicated via text on Sunday afternoon that he is not yet sure what the Jaguars have planned for him.
 
With Payne joining the Jaguars, the PFL will have as many as six players on opening day NFL rosters for the 2017 season.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.