Klein Forest athletes gaining attention

Klein (Texas) Forest High School's Damion Payne could never really be considered a sleeper with seven interceptions as a junior and a brother playing football at Cal University, but the athletic defensive back has gone from a little known corner to a highly-coveted prospect in the two months.

"What is great about Damion is he can play any skill position on the football field," Klein Forest head coach Kenny Hammock said. "His natural position is defensive back, but we are going to play him on offense also. He had a great 7-on-7 season on the offensive side of the ball.

"What schools also like is that he is an early graduate and no one has any doubts about his academics."

Payne has accumulated 18 offers, ranging from the SEC to the Pac-10, and he is certain he wants to take all five of his official visits. His most recent offer has come from the Oklahoma Sooners.

"I am most interested in Mizzou, Utah, Wake, Arkansas, and Oklahoma," said Payne. "I will take all my officials before I make my decision. Some schools like me at receiver, but I think I will end up playing defense. That is where I think I fit.

"The recruiting process has been a good experience. When I get older I can tell my kids that I was a highly recruited football player out of high school."

Offensive lineman Zach Bolton is another highly recruited player coming out of Klein Forest, with over a dozen offers.

"Zach is going to be an interior lineman because he is only 6-foot-3, but what sets him apart is he can run a 4.9 in the forty-yard dash," said Hammock. "He is working hard this summer and is also lifeguarding. I don't have to worry about him coming back in shape, but I do give him a hard time about wearing a Speedo."

The Eagles' 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety Adrian Bennett is the third Eagle will offers from Iowa State and Minnesota, while Cameron Nwosu is already committed to Rice University.

Forrest Robeck contributed to this article.