Bryan Payton Drops UCLA

Covina (Calif.) South Hills defensive back Bryan Payton took an official visit to Arizona State this past weekend and the trip was eye opening. Payton, 6-1, 185 pounds and one of the premier cornerbacks in the West region committed to UCLA back in the summer but is now singing a different tune.

"UCLA is now out for me," Payton said. "I don't know if I was going to be able to get in there. They were supposed to meet and talk about that this week but I didn't want to wait around. It was my fault, I didn't work as hard in the classroom as I should have but there was other issues with UCLA too. It just seems like there's a lot of disarray going on right now with players transferring out and other recruits not being able to get in like Daniel (Drayton).

"I just think this is probably the best move for me. I liked the coaches at UCLA and I'm not saying it's their fault about the transfers, some players just don't want to compete. I just think this is a better move for me. This was my second time visiting Arizona State and I loved it there. Tempe is a fun city and there is a lot going on. Plus I really hit it off with Mark Carrier who will be coaching the corners there. Jeremy being there is another plus.

"I'm still going to take my visit to Oregon State this weekend and the coaches are coming in the house tomorrow night. ASU will be coming over on Thursday. On Sunday, the day I get back from Oregon State, I'll make my final decision between ASU and Oregon State but it is going to be tough to beat ASU right now."

The loss of Payton is a huge one for the Bruins. The talented corner was probably the top recruit, outside of Brigham Harwell, on the Bruins list thus far. He's big, tough, very physical and is a two time All-State selection.