I did get to ask defensive end Rulon Davis whether true freshman Kendrick Payne had moved to end, and he gave me the nod. According to Davis, Payne’s been getting some lofty comparisons, including one to former Cal standout and Seattle Seahawks lineman Brandon Mebane.

Still, Davis put it bluntly when asked whether the youngster deserves the respect he’s getting so early in his career.

How’s Payne coming along with the recent switch?

“He’s fine,” Davis said. “Young Kendrick, I heard some comparisons to Brandon Mebane … but I think Kendrick Payne’s going to be a Kendrick Payne. He’s going to be his own player.

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According to a member of the defensive line, freshman standout Kendrick Payne has moved to stud end, his natural position.

Payne had been climbing up the depth chart at defensive tackle, battling Michael Costanzo for that third spot behind Derrick Hill and Mika Kane. But with the emergence of Hill and widespread improvement throughout the unit, perhaps the coaches felt Payne could move out to the edges without hurting the rotation at nose.

Able to play at both nose and end, Payne seems like the perfect lineman for the 3-4. Expect him to spell the current rotation at end in certain situations.

Will get more confirmation later from defensive coordinator Bob Gregory after tonight’s practice.