Payne looking for more offers

Southfield (Mich.) defensive back Leviticus Payne picked up two quick offers immediately following his junior season, but the 5-9, 180-pound prospect added just one more this spring despite impressive showings at several camps and 7-on-7 tournaments.

The three schools that have already offered Payne are Iowa, Toledo and Western Michigan. The interest from other schools is still high. Payne recalled seeing coaches from Illinois, Central Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Stanford and Wisconsin came by in the spring.

"Central really liked me and Michigan State liked me a lot. They want me to get up there for a one-day," Payne said.

Payne is considering his summer camp plans now. He will be at a national 7-on-7 tournament in Dallas and a national combine in Tampa later this summer. He also will attend the Sound Mind, Sound Body camp in Detroit where more than 100 college coaches are expected to be in attendance.

"Most of the coaches that want me to come to their one-day are going to be at Sound Mind, Sound Body," Payne said. "If they still want me to come to their one-day camp after Sound Mind, Sound Body, then I'll do more trips. Other than that, I'm trying not to spend too much money."

One of the coaches expected to be at the Sound Mind, Sound Body Camp is Iowa's Erik Campbell. The Hawkeyes have already offered Payne and sit atop his interest list, but he is still looking to impress their staff with his play.

"They are still the top school for now, but I'm looking at other schools still to see where I fit best at," Payne said. " I call down there now and then, see what's up and where I am on their board. I wouldn't say I am their No. 1 recruit, but after the summer stuff I think I will be higher on their board."

With an offer already in hand from the Hawkeyes, Payne will not have to work out for Iowa at their camp, but he would like to travel to the school this summer. Although their offer came in shortly after his junior season, Payne has yet to see Iowa City..

"I am going to try to get a visit down there this summer. I'm looking forward to seeing their facilities, their workout room and all that stuff. I hear they have a great campus, I hear a lot of stuff about the school and the community."

Payne is listed as a cornerback prospect, but he has been playing safety for his 7-on-7 team this spring and playing the position well.

"I think I could be strong safety depending on what kind of defense they are running," Payne said. "I think most of them know me as a corner right now, but after this season they might like me as a safety or nickel more."