Big, tough defensive end who excels in stopping the run... Took big strides during his redshirt season... Will provide depth at the defensive end spot.

2008: Saw action in six games, playing on the defensive front and field goal block team... Had one stop and blocked one extra point.

2007: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three letters and was a two-year starter at Liberty High School... Started at both defensive tackle and defensive end and also played on the offensive line during his prep career... A 2006 second team Class 6A all-state selection by the Missouri Football Coaches Association…Named to the 2006 Kansas City Star Class 6A All-District team... Also earned first-team Suburban Big 7 honors at defensive line, and second-team Suburban Big 7 honors at offensive line as a senior... Recorded 50 tackles (36 solo), while tallying eight tackles for losses and four sacks in 2006... Had 37 tackles and two sacks, earning all-area honors as a junior... Served as a team captain... Coached by Pat Hansen... Earned two letters in track & field, competing in the discus and 400 meters.

PERSONAL: Payton Kirk was born Dec. 11, 1988, in Tulsa, Okla... Parents are Brian and Terri Kirk... Has a younger sister, Piper... Majoring in secondary education... Career plans include either coaching or athletic training... Cousin, Andy Thorn, played tight end for the Dallas Cowboys... Cousin, Justin Kirk, played linebacker at Northern Iowa.