Former Tiger Dallas Payne returns to coach Northeast running backs and tight ends

Dallas Payne returned to Northeast as an assistant football coach overseeing running backs and tight ends, the college announced August 6.

Payne played receiver for the Tigers in 2020 and 2021 before continuing his career at UAB and Florida International. He moved to tight end at the four-year level and earned all-conference recognition as a senior.

In his final FIU season, Payne caught 27 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns while making 10 starts in 13 games. His UAB career included 36 receptions for 385 yards across 28 appearances.

At Northeast, he helped the 2020 team finish 5-1 and rank 13th nationally. He led the Tigers with 36 catches in 2021. Payne’s college playing career totaled 122 receptions, 1,391 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bay St. Louis native and St. Stanislaus graduate now brings that experience back to Booneville.

Source: NEMCC Athletics release, August 06, 2026. Summarized from the college’s announcement. Photo: NEMCC Athletics.