Lynell Payne, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound, three-star wide receiver from Cherokee High School in Marlton, N.J., has eight scholarship offers and favors Cincinnati, Connecticut, Clemson and Iowa. "But my top three are Cincinnati, Connecticut and Clemson," Payne said. "Cincinnati and Connecticut are recruiting me the hardest."
He also has offers from Temple, Akron, Delaware and Buffalo.
"I can't really rank them yet though," he said. "I just know it's Cincy, Uconn and Clemson."
Payne has already taken official visits to Cincinnati (Sept. 22) and Connecticut (Sept. 29) and is visiting Clemson on Oct. 6 for the Virginia Tech game. "The whole trip to Cincinnati amazed me," Payne said. "Going into it I didn't really expect to like them too much, but when I got there and saw everything I was blown away. I loved how the stadium is in the center and the game day atmosphere is great. I also really love the offense they run.
"My Connecticut visit was good too," said Scout.com's No. 90 wide receiver. "I really liked the hospitality of all the people on campus. They all made me feel very comfortable and welcome. The coaches are really down-to-earth and the trip was really well organized and timed perfectly. Also, I love the apartment-style dorms for the upper classmen."
"I can't wait for my visit to Clemson," he said. "I love Death Valley and the atmosphere should just be incredible. Other than that, I really don't know too much about them yet."
Payne says he doesn't have a timetable for a decision. "When God wants me to make a decision, I will."
Although Iowa is still recruiting him and he claims an offer from the Hawkeyes, Payne says he's most likely not going to take a visit there officially. "They told me that the earliest I could visit them is in December and I don't want to wait that long," he said. "Plus I'm not sure if they are a good fit for me.
"I want to make sure I get to go where I'll be able to play," Payne said. "I also want a good social environment where there are things to do around the city."
As a youngster, Payne followed Miami because his cousin, Jamal Green, played defensive end for the 'Canes in the late 90's.
Payne has over 200 yards and one touchdown for his team which is currently 2-1.
"I run good routes and can move well," Payne said. "I play fast and know how to get open, but I'd still like to have better speed and quickness." Payne bench presses 270 pounds, squats 415 and claims a 35" vertical jump.
He reports a 2.5 core GPA and an 890 SAT, which he is retaking in November.