By Ty G. Allushuski - Publisher
2009-07-07
Keion Payne wasn’t a huge name in college recruiting circles as recently as this past spring, but that all changed after his performance at Miami Nike Camp in April.
Payne impressed onlookers with nearly a 30-inch vertical leap, a 9’3 standing broad jump, and a respectable 4.55 time in the 40-yard dash.
Since then, Payne has seen his offer list grow to 23 with the likes of Florida State, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Miami, Michigan, Oregon and West Virginia offering.
Virginia Tech was the latest school to offer last week.
“Summer is going great. I’m working out with the team and getting it going,” Payne said. “Every school is looking at me at cornerback, and Miami is staying in the most contact.”
The 5-foot-11, 152-pound cornerback recently transferred to Saint Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after spending his first three years at rival Dillard high school.
He said the move in February and subsequent transition has gone smoothly.
“I’m really looking forward to playing for Saint Thomas Aquinas,” Payne said. “The people are just so helpful at the school and I love the positive atmosphere.”
Payne hasn’t been to any camps yet this summer, but he will attend the prestigious Showtime Camp at Florida State on July 18th, and also Florida’s Friday Night Lights Camp on July 25th.
He said he was a Florida State fan growing up because of Deion Sanders, and the Seminoles are one of his favorites at the moment.
The first school to offer Payne was Ole Miss, and he said that helped the Rebels in the race for his signature.
“They’ve been recruiting me hard and they have sent a lot of handwritten letters,” Payne said. “Oh yeah, I definitely have interest in Ole Miss. I’ve talked to coach Vaughn and he came to my school and we chatted about Ole Miss and everything.”
“Ole Miss definitely has a chance for a visit.”
Payne recorded 33 tackles, four interceptions, 15 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and one sack.
There is no ESPN/Scouts, Inc. evaluation for Payne at this time.
Keione Payne