Southfield High School cornerback Leviticus Payne chose Cincinnati over Iowa yesterday, allowing him to take a burden off his shoulders as he prepares to start practice.
"It feels good," the 5'8, 175-lb Payne said, "and I can focus on my season now, go ahead and win that state championship I was talking about."
It was a lifelong love affair with the Bearcats that drew Payne to making this decision.
"I actually grew up watching them and I thought I would go to that school at a young age and I got an offer at their camp, so I thought it was just meant to be."
A three star cornerback, Payne accumulated 1,250 all purposed yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior and the possibility remains open that he would play some offense at the next level.
"Athlete. There's a chance I might play offense too and kick return. If I can start on both sides I would. I'm working out and trying to go either way. I'm going to try to do my thing down there and play straight up ball."
One of the other big reasons Payne gave for his commitment was his relationship with area recruiter and co-defensive coordinator, Tim Banks.
"He's a cool guy. He's from up here in Detroit. He's a real laid back guy."
With his commitment made and public, what is Payne's next step?
"State championship."
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DB Leviticus Payne | 2012 | Southfield (Mich.)
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