“Things have picked up lately with them,” said Payne. “I get letters every week from Wake Forest – pretty much everyday.”
The Demon Deacons have yet to extend Payne a scholarship offer, hoping to get the ‘back into camp for more evaluations. Payne, who has yet to visit Winston-Salem, figures to include Wake Forest among his summer camping plans to get better acquainted with the football and academic programs.
“I don’t really know too much about the school,” said Payne. “I’ve just been reading the letters and seeing what they’ve done in the past.”
Payne does, however, have a scholarship offer from in-state school Virginia Tech. Virginia, Maryland, Clemson, Penn State, Notre Dame, N.C. State, Temple, and South Carolina are also recruiting him.
Lacking favorites, Payne doesn’t have a deadline for a decision, but he knows what he will be looking for.
“I’m basically looking the coaches are with the players – the relationship between the players and coaches,” said Payne. “I’m also looking for a big school with a lot of history.”
Payne was named honorable mention all-metro, first team all-district and first team all-region after rushing for 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns on 157 carries. He also recorded 13 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns.