Shawn Payne Commits to the Hokies

This evening L.C. Bird (Chesterfield) defensive back / wide receiver Shawn Payne made his verbal pledge to the Hokies.

BREAKING: #Hokies have picked up their 11th commitment for 2014, LC Bird (Va.) DB Shawn Payne, who camped 2 weeks ago at #VT— HokieHaven.com (@Hokie_Haven) June 25, 2013

I JUST COMMITED TO TECH #hokies #hokies #hokies— UNGUARDABLE.!!!! (@_GOT1) June 25, 2013

Welcome to the #HokieFamily!!— Shane Beamer (@CoachSBeamer) June 25, 2013

Rivals.com lists him at 6-3, 180. At this time, neither Rivals.com or 247Sports has rated him and his only other offer was Charlotte. The Hokies have made a living at finding under the radar prospects at their camps, and developing them into starters. It's possible Payne is yet another diamond in the rough.

Here's a good article from Recruit757.com on Payne and his teammate Terrence Ervin.

The latest offer from UNC-Charlotte is also meaningful because the 49ers also offered Skyhawk teammate, Shawn Payne. Shawn (DB/WR, 6-2, 175) was a playmaker on both sides of the ball on last season's state championship team. Part of a disciplined and tenacious defense, Shawn intercepted six passes; stopping potentially scoring drives. On the offensive side of the ball, Shawn put in work with six touchdowns and an average of 14 yards per reception. His 307 yards in receiving and his big play potential kept opposing defenses honest in coverages and run reads.

The UNC-Charlotte offer was Shawn's first. "Shawn will be a bigger part of the offense this year as well as playing in the secondary like last year. I believe that this is just one of many offers to come" says Coach Bedwell, referring to his talented athlete.

Securing a versatile athlete like Payne allows the staff some flexibility when slotting him at a position.

Additionally, HokieHaven.com posted an article with quotes from Payne.

"I really like Virginia Tech and I really wanted to go to Tech since I was in elementary school," Payne said. "For them to offer me, I was really excited and the first thing I told my mom when they offered was that I was excited. I feel comfortable with the coaching staff and the atmosphere up there, so I made the decision to commit."

The only film I could find on Payne is on his Hudl page: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2233825/highlights/39349388.

Welcome to HokieNation Shawn!