Carrying Byron Center on his back this season. Phenomenal size, alongside good top speed and all-around athletic traits.

Similar to RBs like Tomarion Steward from Mona Shores. Big, strong, a bruiser, but still a little underdeveloped in the open field. Payne projects as a great group of 5 RB.

A boatload of carries for Cam Payne.

First off, we all know this, but Cam passes the eye test. One of, if not the most physically imposing player on the field. Looks like a future Division 1 running back.

It was a bit hard to evaluate Cam. Honestly, there was nowhere for him to run most of the game. East Kentwood did an excellent job swarming him and preventing chunk plays. There were a couple of instances where Cam found a hole. When he had space, he usually fell on first contact. Yes, EK was doing an excellent job of tackling. At the same time, I wish I saw Cam lower a shoulder or try and lay a stiff arm- there were definitely a few opportunities. Additionally, I’d like to see Cam’s lateral speed improve.

I’ve long complimented how many things Cameron does right. He’s a threat in the passing game, can run between the tackles, outside the tackles, goalline, you name it.

In order to be so well-rounded, you’ve gotta have good power. Payne has proven his contact balance against high-end defenses like St. Mary’s and Mona Shores. You have to gang tackle Cameron Payne Cameron Payne 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB/LB Byron Center | 2027 State MI in order to get him to the ground. Excellent running back! Don’t count Byron Center out this season!

Payne retians the #1 spot!

I had to go with whom I knew best. I’ve seen Cameron play several times, both in-season and out-of-season. I know that Cameron has D1-level size, speed, vision, and is developing very well as a receiver. Cameron has some of the best vision, some of the best explosiveness, and some of the best contact balance in this class. He proved it against one of the best defenses in Michigan during the State Championship; Cameron is a home-run threat each and every play.

Still a high MAC evaluation for Cam. With an even better Junior season, he can reach that Power 4 category. He’s close.

The current #1 running back. I’d still argue that Cameron has the best athleticism-strength combo in this class. Plus, good vision, can block, and can run routes. This is a running back whom I’ve been in front of several times, and I’ve been around him enough to know that he doesn’t have any major weaknesses.

I don’t have verified height, weight, or testing from Cameron like I do a few others, but the in-person evals have proved even more valuable. Upgrade vision, athleticism, and strength by a touch, and Cameron is easily a Power 4 guy.

Cameron Payne Cameron Payne 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB/LB Byron Center | 2027 State MI could retain the #1 spot. I’ll tell you that the lowest I can currently see him going is #4. I’m happy that Toledo sent out an offer, because there’s a couple other West Michigan RBs who also deserve a D1 look.

Cameron Payne Cameron Payne 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB/LB Byron Center | 2027 State MI is one of the hardest runners we have in this state. A true tough-nosed guy that can churn out the difficult yardage. When I got the opportunity to see him in the semi-finals and state finals last season, he was a steady and consistent yards getter for his team. He was even able to salt the game away against East Lansing in the semi finals, grinding out tough yards even when the whole stadium knew who was getting the ball.

Payne is an absolute ox. Strong legs and core allows him to run behind his pads and punish tacklers. He possesses good contact balance which allows for plenty of yards after contact. Payne even has the ability to hit defenders with a dead leg or spin move in the hole, making him insanely difficult to track down. Payne will likely be the focus of the offense of the Byron Center offense with the departure of guys like Landon Tungate Landon Tungate 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Byron Center | 2025 State MI .

Payne is my current #1 running back. He’s the guy I’ve scouted the most, and the guy I feel most confident in heading into next season.

What I like most about Cameron’s game is how good he is between the tackles. In tight space, Cameron has an innate ability to evade defenders. A subtle juke, spin, or a little bit of contact balance usually does the trick. Also, it’s difficult to have contact balance without being strong. Cameron has a very strong lower body and can keep those feet moving through contact. Finally, I know that he’s working on becoming a better weapon out of the backfield.

The only big nitpick I have with Cameron is his speed and explosiveness. On tape, he doesn’t look at fast as other D1 prospects, and not as explosive either. Still, he’s a MAC prospect based on how good I expect Cameron to be next season.

After his stellar State Championship performance, I’m very glad I got to see Cameron Payne Cameron Payne 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB/LB Byron Center | 2027 State MI early in the offseason.

First off, Cam is built very well for a 3-down RB. He flat-out passes the eye test.

Athletically, Cameron looked great for his size. Good change of direction, good overall route-running, and coachable. I honestly didn’t love some of his routes early on, but he took coaching well and improved throughout camp. He especially runs a good whip, which is an excellent route to have in your toolbox as an RB. Finally, Cam has great hands. I saw very few drops, and he secured a few super difficult catches in traffic.

Now, having watched him in-season twice plus once this offseason, I think that Cam should be a MAC prospect. Cam needs to test very well to get those MAC offers. Rep the 40, shuttle, and broad jump.

Finally, I won’t name names, but Cam is almost a mirror image of a few other MAC-offered RBs I’ve seen over the years. I’m pretty confident in my MAC evaluation, but I know that Cam needs to test well and perform well in front of those coaches to be offered.