Exhibits some range in pursuit and has the ability to track the football from the backside. But is more of a drag down guy. Struggles to take on blocks in tight areas, can be washed out on contact and doesn't generate much of a pop as a tackler.
Displays good fluidity through the hips in coverage and can cleanly turn and run when asked to redirect. However, isn't real instinctive reading his pass keys and lacks ideal footwork initially out of his breaks. Has a tendency to chop his feet a bit in order to regain balance and doesn't always break down and play as fast as his measurables would indicate.
Impression: Displays solid range for the position and does have some natural fluidly in coverage. But he isn't physical, lacks ideal instincts and I think there are a lot of better options out there as a potential special teams guys/nickel backer than him."
Positive: Explosive pursuit linebacker with marginal size/speed numbers for the next level. Scrapes well the box, fires up the field in run defense, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Gets depth on pass drops, displays fluid footwork in all directions, and slides off blocks to make plays. Quick out to the sidelines and relatively effective in space.
Negative: Not a strong wrap-up tackler. Does not consistently take proper angles to the action. Slow shedding blocks.
Analysis: Paysinger has been a solid college competitor but lacks great measurables for the next level. He offers potential as a backup weak side linebacker if he performs well on special teams."
2010 — Honorable mention All-Pac 10 selection...Third leading tackler for the Ducks with 76 total stops...Appeared in and started all 13 games...Credited with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks...Broke up six passes, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble on the season...Totaled three tackles in win at Tennessee • Had a sack among his 1.5 TFLs, four tackles and one pass breakup vs. New Mexico • Preseason All-Pac-10 second team choice by Phil Steele Publications • Team’s third-strongest player in terms of total weight lifted, putting up 1,182 lbs. in the clean, squat and bench lifts • Clocked as the fastest linebacker during winter testing, completing electronic 40-yard dash in 4.81 • Had a team-best 352-lb. power clean in addition to pacing his position with a 480-lb. squat.
2009 — Paced the Ducks with a season-high 10 tackles (7 unassisted) against Utah, in addition to breaking up two passes, to be named team’s defensive player-of-the-game • Also shared team lead with eight stops vs. both Arizona State and Arizona • Included was a TFL and seven solo tackles in Tucson • Finished the year tied as the team’s second-leading tackler (81), also recorded a tackle for loss and recovered one fumble in the season opener at Boise State • Credited with nine tackles at Stanford, in addition to recovering one fumble and breaking up one pass, and recorded 1.5 TFLs among his nine stops in the Rose Bowl loss vs. Ohio State • Posted TFLs in consecutive appearances vs. Washington and USC • Four tackles vs. California included one TFL, before adding four more stops against Washington State • Also broke up two passes at UCLA.
2008 — Won the “Will” linebacker spot during fall camp and proceeded to start all 13 games • Named second team All-Pac-10 by Rivlas.com • Team’s second-leading tackler ranked fourth on the squad in tackles for loss with 12.0 for 25 yards • Tied for third on the team with two interceptions and fourth in pass break ups with six • Totaled seven of his TFLs in UO’s final four games – all wins – including 3.0 vs. Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl • Returned an interception 70 yards for his first career touchdown at Oregon State • Reached double-digit tackles three times, including a career-high 12 vs. both Washington and Arizona • Paced the team in tackles the first three games, wins over the Huskies, Utah State and at Purdue • Finished with 10 tackles vs. Boise State • Posted 2.5 tackles for loss, including his first career sack, and broke up a pass in his starting debut against UW • Picked off his first career interception at Cal • Awarded a game ball as the team’s defensive player of the game following wins over the Huskies and Aggies • Equaled the top squat best among Ducks’ linebackers (445 lbs.) at 2008 winter testing, and credited with position’s best power clean mark (319 lbs.).
2007 — Took the field in all 13 games • A key contributor on special teams, added depth to a linebacker corps that saw its share of injuries • Three of his four tackles were unassisted, including a pair in the Sun Bowl vs. South Florida • Averaged 11.7 plays per game.
2006 — Bestowed Ducks’ scout team player of the week accolades on defense or special teams on six occasions during his redshirt season.
HIGH SCHOOL — Credited with a team-high 54 catches for an Ocean League-leading 1,093 yards (20.2 avg.) and 10 touchdowns as a senior • Included was a season-high seven catches for 112 yards in the 2005 opener vs. Diamond Bar while accumulating 128 receiving yards vs. Atascadero • Also nabbed a pair of interceptions on defense to go along with his 87 tackles (53 unassisted) as the Normans’ third-leading tackler added 2.5 quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery • Contributed a season-best 12 tackles against Torrance as the 2005 conference champions wound up going unbeaten through the regular season (9-1-2) • Capped prep career by earning first-team all-CIF Division IV as well as unanimous league MVP honors.
Strengths: A former wide receiver, Paysinger is an athletic linebacker who is great on the run. Good speed and takes good angles in pursuit. Has the closing speed to make tackles on ball carriers in space. Breaks down well and stays in balance when attempting a tackle in the open field. Has the speed and flexibility to open his hips and run with backs and tight ends down the field on routes. Keeps his balance down the field and has the closing speed to break on the ball.
Weaknesses: Below average instincts and play recognition. Step slow in reading plays and reacting. Too many wasted steps in getting to the ball carrier. Too passive in attacking the LOS and in taking on blocks. Runs around blocks too often, and gets swallowed up if he does take them on. Lacks strength at the POA and in making tackles in the box.
Projection: UDFA. Paysinger's speed and athleticism will get him to a team's training camp and if he shows enough, he could make a roster by contributing on special teams or get developed on a team's practice squad."