Rico Payton
Career Summary
Rico Payton played defensive back at Pittsburg State.
Payton came from St. Louis, Missouri, and transferred to Pittsburg State after a redshirt season at Southern Illinois. He was selected as a Pittsburg State team captain for 2023.
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High School
Payton earned all-state recognition at Lindbergh High School.
As a senior in 2017, Payton received Missouri Class 6A all-state honors. He also earned all-conference and all-district recognition.
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College Career
Payton gained experience in Pittsburg State's secondary.
Payton appeared in 13 games with eight starts in 2022, making 14 tackles, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery. In 2021, he recorded 12 tackles, an interception and six pass breakups in nine games.
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Career Accomplishments
Payton earned athletic and academic conference recognition.
Payton received All-MIAA recognition following the 2022 season and was a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.
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30490, 00-0039620, 1999-11-28, Rico Payton, Rico, Payton
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 45.4
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.