Book Private Football Lessons with Coach Payton

I built my edge through technique, mental toughness, and relentless effort, not raw talent. That's exactly what I teach.

I played wide receiver at Linfield University, a program that holds the NCAA record for consecutive winning seasons, built on a culture of process, accountability, and doing things right even when no one is watching. During my time there we went 35-7, won three conference championships, reached the 2021 NCAA DIII Quarterfinals, and finished ranked in the top 25 nationally all four years. In 2019 we held the number one passing offense in all levels of the NCAA.

After playing I returned as wide receivers and special teams coach, where we went 10-1, won a conference championship, reached the NCAA Playoffs, and finished the season ranked eighth in the country.

For the past three years I have worked at Pro Football Focus as a data analyst, grading and charting players at the NFL and NCAA level. Studying elite technique and scheme every day at the highest level of the game has sharpened my coaching eye in ways that go beyond what most coaches ever get access to. I know what separates good from great at the professional level and I bring that lens to every session.

I also competed in track and field at Linfield in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100, 4x400, and long jump.

I help athletes elevate their game by focusing on the fundamentals that drive mastery. Through personalized training, I identify areas for growth and design tailored drills and strategies to address them. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind every movement and decision, I help athletes build a strong football IQ. This approach ensures that players can seamlessly translate what they’ve learned on the practice field into game-day success. My ultimate goal is to provide the tools and guidance they need to master their craft.

Every session is structured, purposeful, and competitive. Nothing is filler.

We start with dynamic footwork drills to activate the movement patterns every skill position depends on. From there we move into position-specific skill work tailored to your individual goals, technique first, with clear coaching on the why behind every movement so you can own it, not just repeat it.

The middle of every session involves game-scenario reps, live looks, coverage reads, and game-speed decisions designed to build the football IQ to process and react without thinking. Every session ends with a competitive challenge, because pressure reveals what the process has actually built. We close with a short debrief, clear focus areas and two or three things to work on before the next session. Athletes leave with purpose, not just tired.

Linfield University — Wide Receiver

3x Conference Champion · 35-7 career record · 2021 NCAA DIII Quarterfinalist · #1 Passing Offense in all levels of NCAA (2019) · Finished ranked top 25 all four seasons · Program holds the NCAA record for consecutive winning seasons

Linfield University — Wide Receivers and Special Teams Coach

10-1 record · Conference Champion · NCAA Playoffs · Finished season ranked #8 in the country

Pro Football Focus — Data Analyst

Three years grading and charting NFL and NCAA players at the professional level, developing an elite technical understanding of scheme, technique, and what separates good players from great ones

Linfield University — Track and Field

100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100, 4x400, Long Jump

The best coach I ever played for was my college head coach, Joe Smith. Not only was he the most knowledgeable coach I’ve ever played for, but he was also an incredible leader and mentor. His unwavering dedication to his players and staff inspired us to put in the work every day, knowing he was doing the same for our success. Coach Smith taught me to master my craft as a wide receiver and instilled values that extend beyond the field.

What truly sets Linfield apart is the enduring culture of excellence, exemplified by its NCAA record of 68 consecutive winning seasons—a legacy built on hard work, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of success.

I was never the biggest, strongest, or fastest athlete, so I focused on gaining an edge through technique, mental toughness, and relentless effort. Those three traits not only helped me succeed in high school and college sports, where the margins are razor-thin, but they also became guiding principles for life. My goal is to help athletes unlock their own edges to excel both on and off the field.