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!
Comments
This should be interesting. LC bird and Thomas dale are rivals of sorts. Looks like CJ and Payne will be getting it.
Rivals is an understatement...that rivalry was ranked #6 or so in all high school football a few years back, plus both have won a state title in the last several years. And the schools are like 5 minutes apart.
Yeah wasnt sure of intensity now. When I was at Prince George high school, TD was our big rivalry game. Back in oxendine and Ricky hall days. We actually beat them one year, but they dominated us most years.
You can't teach size. Two way player that is under the radar seems to be a specialty. I'd say corner or fs which you can never have enough help in the secondary.
Isn't an interception...by its very nature, always stopping a potential scoring drive?
#DBU
or will he become a receiver?
Sounds like a solid FS prospect to me.
I tell you what, I love when we get commitments like this. I know we've had our share of disappointing news lately when it comes to recruiting, but you have to smile when you see a guy who truly WANTS to be a Hokie. He's wanted to go to Tech since he was in elementary school, and what's the first thing he did when he got an offer from us? He told his mom how excited he was. I know that he's not a 5-star recruit, but I also know that playing for Tech is a dream come true for him and he will bust his tail for us on every single down.
THAT's what I want!
Correction: He may not be rated yet, but he still has plenty of time to make his mark before he blows up at VT!
Welcome, Shawn!
So many 'deliver the Payne' jokes to tell my brain is shutting down. Can't...figure out....which one to use....[mental blue screen]
Anyone else notice that he grew an inch between the article date and the current date? I like it. The nice thing about Harris not qualifying is that we don't have a scholarship held up anymore.
awesome name
Wish he had more film. Sure tha he is a good get though. Welcome to Hokie Nation!!!
RELEASE THE PAYNE!
One tubby tubby tubby. Two tubby tubby tubby.
One of my favorite movies. Love his line where he says, "I'm gonna fix that quick, fast, and in a hurry."
Favorite lines for me: "You need to step in and neutralize the situation." "Neutralize."
Intersting to see where some players end up despite being recruited for a different position. Cam Chancellor was listed as pro style QB, 6-4, 200 lb in the recruit database. He became a beast of a safety at VT and now at Seattle.
i hope hes awesome... I really wanna chant Payne after every play he makes