Louisiana athlete returns to Cali
Big athletic guys who have the versatility to play several positions are always in vogue and one of those guys to keep your eye this fall will be tight end Craig Payne (6-5, 260, 4.9) from Ontario (Calif.) Colony.
Payne is returning to play his senior year in California after playing his sophomore and junior seasons in Louisiana.
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This talented big man started his high school career at Etiwanda, Calif., high school as a freshman before his family moved to Louisiana. Now Louisiana's loss is Colony's gain.
Payne has the versatility you love in a D-I prospect though he plays tight end on the high school level, there is a good chance that he could grow into an offensive tackle of defensive tackle on the college level.
The very athletic Payne also plays power forward on the basketball team.
"You have to love Craig's overall athleticism and versatility," Colony coach Anthony Rice said. "He can help a school in a lot of areas.
"I truly believe that Craig is going to be a national recruit," Rice said. "He has that type of ability.
"LSU has been on this kid for awhile and he has even taken an unofficial visit to the LSU campus," Rice said. "He brings so much to the table.
Payne is also solid in the weight room. His current bench is 335 pounds and his squat is 400.
It is always difficult when a player transfers from one school to another from their junior to senior season. Many times players get lost in the shuffle. It is tougher still when you move two time zones away.
Luckily for Payne it doesn't appear that his move is going to hurt him too much, due to the efforts of his Rice and Colony high school.
Payne's grades also look good as he carries a 3.0 GPA.