Cole Payton will begin his fourth year on the North Dakota State football roster this fall with the biggest spotlight he's had yet.
That's including the fact that he is the backup to incumbent starter Cam Miller, who returns for his fourth season under center.
Payton emerged as one of the best players on the Bison football roster over the final five games of 2023, when Miller scored seven touchdowns. He racked up a total of 16 last season, becoming one of NDSU's best offensive weapons.
"I thought (last season) was a blast. Getting to go to Montana State and Montana, crazy environements and so loud, it was a ton of fun. My whole goal was to make the most of the opportunities I got and I thought I did that." Payton said.
There are noticable changes on the Bison offense heading into 2024 with Tim Polasek taking over as head coach and Jake Landry at offensive coordinator. Payton says the changes weren't a major overhaul to him during spring practices.
"It went well. Not much changed, it felt like a normal spring ball. Coach Polasek brings a level of emotion and fire. Coach Landry is a little more mellow. But the twists they brought into the offense will be a nice change."
Payton has emerged as one of the faces of NDSU's Green and Gold Collective. He has routinely put videos out on social media touting the collective and it's importance as he's seen teammates like Eli Green leave through the transfer portal.
"Just doing the best we can to get it out there. Things like the Collective will get guys like Eli Green to stay or attract guys like Eli Green to come to the Bison. Hopefully we'll get on the same level as the bigger schools."
One of the big topics of the offseason is the potential of Payton lining up at other positions. It's an idea he's been open to.
"We sampled it a little bit during the spring at a few different positions and a little on special teams. Had a blast on special teams, anything to get on the field and help the team out."
"I'm all for it, seriously. Whatever it takes to put the team in the best position, I'm there for it."
Payton discusses as well about working with his personal quarterbacks coach in Omaha and what he's doing this summer in Fargo.
The Bison Media Zone airs each Wednesday at 10:30 on WDAY Xtra.
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