Payton has yet to make a final decision about his college destination, telling the Democrat-Gazette that comfort level with the coaches and immediate playing time will factor into his decision.
According to his Rivals.com profile, he took his visit to Michigan last weekend and will begin his Oklahoma visit on September 23 and Penn State visit on November 11.
What are teams fawning over Payton for?
Well, he’s an exemplary athlete who made his presence felt on the field immediately in high school, where he scored seven touchdowns as a freshman.
To go along with his dazzling sophomore campaign, Payton added 30 tackles and three interceptions as a defensive back. He brings a 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash – an all-important measuring stick for college and NFL skill position players – and still has his senior year to mature.
“I think Jordan could play offense or defense in college, but he probably will stick with receiver if he has a choice,” Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell told the Los Angeles Daily News last year.
“He has good speed, he runs good patterns, and he has great hands. Plus, he’s a very competitive kid who wants to do well for the team.”
According to the Daily News, Payton also was an accomplished basketball player and track sprinter before giving up those sports to focus on football. It looks like he has made a good decision.
He told the newspaper that, no, he is not related to NFL legend Walter Payton, though “some people say that,” but his bloodlines don’t need to be famous for them to provide a useful pedigree.
The Daily News reported that his father, Jerry, was a former linebacker at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, while his brother, Michael, played wide receiver at Oregon State.
They’re not the Smiths, Gretzkys or Montanas, but Jordan Payton has the chance – and ability – to put his Paytons on the map.
Pages: 1 2
- PAGES
- 1
- 2
