Eleven days after receiving a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech, L.C. Bird (Chesterfield, VA) class of 2014 defensive back/wide receiver Shawn Payne verbally committed to head coach Frank Beamer and company. The 6’2″, 180-pound prospect, who also held an offer from Charlotte, confirmed the news to TechSideline.com via text message.
Payne participated in Virginia Tech’s one-day camp on June 2. It was clear he caught the attention of Tech’s coaches, particularly defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead, who asked him stay behind for some individual work following the camp. Virginia Tech didn’t offer on that day, but Coach Beamer extended the offer less than two weeks later.
In an interview with TechSideline.com earlier this month, Payne called Virginia Tech his leader and indicated a commitment could come soon. He is the 11th rising high school senior to commit to the Hokies, joining friend CJ Reavis , who is playing with Payne this summer for a 7-on-7 team comprised of players from Bird and Thomas Dale (Chester). The team recently won the 7-on-7 tournament held at the University of Virginia.
Payne saw time at receiver, corner, and safety for the 2012 state champion Skyhawks, but he admitted to TSL he isn’t quite sure where he will end up at Tech. Payne added, though, that he knows Coach Gray sees him as a cornerback.
Stay tuned to TSL for more on Virginia Tech’s latest class of 2014 commitment.
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