Payne one of standouts at Friday Night Lights
Raymore (MO) Peculiar defensive end Anthony Payne was one of a number of Kansas City prospects to make the trip to Lawrence last week for the Jayhawks annual Friday Night Lights Camp. With 15 offers to his credit, Payne arrived at the Anderson Family Football Complex with a goal of earning his first scholarship from a Power 5 program.
“I feel like I balled out and did pretty good,” Payne said of his performance on the Memorial Stadium turn. “I had a great time. They said I did a really good job. They said I showed out for them.”
“I think they liked what they saw a lot,” he continued about his efforts. “It was a little warm, but other than that, I feel like I balled out.”
The 6-foot-2, 255-pound junior has been one of the most talked about prospects in Kansas City. An All-State and All-District honoree for the Panthers in 2015, Payne got his first opportunity to work with Jayhawks defensive line coach Michael Slater on Friday night.
“I like Coach Slater a lot,” Payne said of the former Rice assistant. “He isn’t just about football. He’s about the individual, and about helping you. He doesn’t really put a cap on you. He thinks you can get better every single time. I like that a lot. I picked up a good vibe from him, for sure.”
Payne hasn’t been shy about his hopes for an offer from KU. He and head coach David Beaty have developed a good relationship, talking regularly and exchanging direct messages over Twitter. Though he’s still waiting for the Jayhawks to make the call, he will likely visit several other programs over the next few months.
“The only ones I know for sure are K-State and Nebraska,” Payne said of his summer camp plans. “Those are the two I’ve been talking to real heavy. We are thinking about going to Ole Miss, MU, and Michigan. Other than that, I’m not real sure on the future of all my other camps. Things are subject to change.”
After strong performances at the U.S. Army National Combine, The Opening, and the Rivals Camp Series event in Kansas City, Payne has demonstrated impressive ability, and a willingness to compete. He believes those factors are why more offers are likely to come his way.
“It’s my athleticism, my drive, and how hard I work,” he said of what sets him apart. “I definitely know I’ll be picking up some Power 5 offers soon. After the communication I’ve had from some schools, y’all are going to see."