Savvy athlete that can beat defenses with both his arm and his legs throwing for 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns adding 670 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground. As a runner, he flashes quick lateral agility to cut around defenders and then accelerate out to break away. In the pocket as a passer, he shows confidence and high level arm talent. Generates power with good rotation in the hips and shoulders to throw downfield with touch to push a one ball into a tight window at the short/intermediate levels. Quick release allows him to get the ball out on timing routes or with a defender in his face. Controlled footwork and good balance in the pocket but also shows he can be accurate off different throwing platforms or on the run. Offered by Sacramento State early.

Payne checks into our updated rankings as a top five passer in the 2029 class across the state and is coming off his first varsity season for the Northern section power. Payne has solid throwing mechanics, gets the ball out quick and delivers on schedule throws while showing deep ball accuracy and good pocket mobility when buying time or evading pressure. He should turn plenty of heads this off-season and is one of the top returning players as only a sophomore in the northern section. In his first year under center, he threw for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 670 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Payne is one of the top freshman passers across northern California and is looking to have a stellar prep career for the Northern Section power, University Prep. He has good throwing mechanics, can zip the ball around to multiple targets and stays poised in the pocket while also able to scramble and buy time when needed and can be used as a dual-threat as well. He has thrown for just under 400 yards and 1 score through the first two weeks and boasts a 65% completion percentage while tacking on another rushing score as well. Look for Payne to continue having a breakout Freshman year campaign.