World of Payne: A Gamecock Diary

GamecockAnthem.com is proud to present an exciting new feature titled, "World of Payne: A Gamecock Diary." In this weekly piece, USC commitment Chris Payne will write his thoughts on a variety of topics and detail the latest happenings in his life. Read inside for Payne's second entry, where he discusses his recent invitation to an All-American Game, his goals for spring practice, and much more.

Chris Payne:

About two weeks ago I got invited to the Max Emfinger All-American game. That was the most exciting thing to happen to me. I want to go to the game with the mindset that I’m going to show people up and showcase my talent. This was very big for me because all my life I have worked so hard for everything I have done, so it feels really good that I’m now an All-American.

Even with my commitment to USC, I still talk to a couple coaches. I still talk to Oklahoma and Alabama. At Alabama they tell me I will play safety, in a 3-4 defense. I would be an in the box safety. I really like how the fans get so hype there, I play better when everyone is going crazy. Oklahoma is a great program that has won championships, graduates their athletes, and has a great coaching staff. I would play the same defense as at Alabama. What hurts these programs so much is the physical distance from home. USC is great because I can have my family come and support me, I can get support from the fans, and it is nice to know everyone that has helped me along the way will be close.

USC is telling me about the schemes they play and how they are going to use me, and that they are really glad that I’m helping recruit the other guys for them. I am glad I get the opportunity to do it too. USC wants me to come to meetings and listen to all they have to say, and all the plays they run so I am ready when I get there.

When I talk to my boys that are also being recruited, I tell them, "Why go to a college that has already had championships? We need to go to Carolina and win our own championships and make our own history. We can say the '09 class is who put Carolina over the hump. Carolina is a few people short from emerging as the best in the nation."

My spring practices start right at the end of the school year. I hope to have a big spring. With the talent we have coming back and the way I feel this year, we are on track to win the State Championship!! Spring practice I will be at running back, but will play safety sometimes. But watch out, because I am a running back on the verge!

I have been reading how Carolina is trying to really change things around and how people have predicted USC to do. Right now, I am happy for what is happening to me and South Carolina together.

Gamecock 4-life baby!


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