Tate says Former Clemson Teammate Is Flying Under Radar
By: Gavin Oliver March 3, 2025

Marcus Tate showed some love to a former Clemson teammate at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this past week.

Tate, a 2024 All-ACC honoree and four-year starter on the Tigers’ offensive line from 2021-24, was quick to credit a former Clemson defensive tackle who may not be getting enough attention.

In his media interview at the NFL Combine, Tate didn’t hesitate when asked to name one defensive lineman at the combine who might be flying under the radar a bit.

Tate gave a shoutout to fellow 2024 All-ACC selection Payton Page, who impressed with a strong showing Thursday during workouts with defensive linemen at the combine.

“I think as much as he’s already got to shine this week and everything, it goes without saying, I saw it every day in practice,” Tate said when he met with the media at the combine. “I saw him work all these four years to get to where he’s at now. Super proud of him. He deserves it all.”

Page grew into one of Clemson’s defensive leaders as a senior in 2024, when he posted 36 tackles (2.5 for loss), 0.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a pick-six over 14 games (all starts).

The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder finished his four-year Clemson career (2021-24) credited with 69 tackles (6.5 for loss), a half-sack, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries across 53 career games (14 starts).

“I would say these past two seasons, he was a hard brother to block,” Tate added of Page. “He’s fast, he’s quick, and not only that, he’s big and strong. When you have that combination of both, it makes it a hard player to block every day in practice. He for sure got me better, and I wouldn’t be the player I am without blocking him every day, for sure.”

In addition to participating in the NFL Combine, Page had the chance to showcase his skills to NFL scouts and a national television audience when he played in the East-West Shrine Bowl — the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation — on Jan. 30 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

–Photo courtesy of Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images