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Gators star WR commits to Minnesota
By JAMAL THALJI, Times Staff Writer
LAND O'LAKES -- Originally, they wanted him at linebacker. Not that Logan Payne minded. If Minnesota wanted the 6-foot, 180-pound senior to bulk up and play defense, that was fine with him. But then the Golden Gophers' offensive coordinator saw Payne in action, playing the position that earned him Class 4A first-team all-state honors. That's when it hit them: Minnesota needs Payne to do what he does best: catch passes. Payne can't wait to do just that. The Land O'Lakes wide receiver said he orally committed to the Golden Gophers during his official visit Saturday. Signing day is Feb. 5. "Yeah, man, I was really impressed," he said. "I wanted to go to a school that has a lot of tradition, and they have a lot of it." Minnesota was high on Payne's list before. The visit sealed the deal. The allure of the tradition-rich Big Ten, of the nation's oldest rivalry, the 112-year-old Minnesota-Wisconsin feud, and of practicing at the school's Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex fulfilled every one of Payne's desires. "It was awesome, unbelieveable," he said. "You can just tell the school has a huge program. They have a lot of money and good facilities." The facility especially impressed the Sunshine Athletic Conference's co-offensive player of the year. Built for $5.5-million in 1985, the facility is wrapping up another $5-million facelift. It is named for Minnesota teammates and All-Americans George Gibson and Bronko Nagurski, the Hall of Fame member. The building has an 11,000 square-foot weight room and a 65,000 square-foot indoor practice facility, Rod Wallace Field, lined with AstroPlay artificial grass. As he was wrapping up his visit, Payne said he met with coach Glen Mason in his office. The two chatted, and Payne offered his commitment. "He said he really wants me to go there, and I was ready," he said. "The whole situation is just great." Originally, Payne said, Minnesota was looking at him as an "athlete," but his accomplishments and skill as a receiver brought him to the attention of the offensive staff. Payne led Land O'Lakes to a school-best 12-1 record while leading the state with 72 receptions and 21 touchdowns. He set another school record with 1,251 receiving yards. "The offensive coordinator said he wanted me instead," Payne said, adding that he is being recruited to line up in the slot of the Gophers' three-wideout, one-back offensive set. The location and weather aren't what he wanted, but he said he can live with it. "It's a little on the cold side and it's not close to home," he said. "But I like it." But nothing is set in stone during the recruiting process. Payne said he doubts he will change his mind, but will visit South Florida this weekend with linemen Joey Tuttle and Bobby O'Dell. The problem with USF, Payne said, is the program wants him to walk on, as does Florida State. "I don't think USF has the facilities, the tradition or the stadium," he said. "I mean, they want me to walk on, and I'm kind of like, "I've already got a full ride.' I want somebody who wants me." Army still wants Payne. A recruiter made a third visit Wednesday. Eastern Kentucky is also interested. But Payne said he thinks Minnesota is the right place for him, no matter what position they want him to play. "It doesn't matter," he said. "I'll do whatever they want."
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