GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — La Salle 2022 running back Gi'Bran Payne was named to the MaxPreps 2020 Preseason Junior High School All-American second team on Tuesday afternoon.
Payne, who is 5 feet 11 and 200 pounds, is the only Ohio player on the national list.
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A four-star recruit, Payne is rated the state's No. 8 player overall in the 2022 class by 247 Sports. He is also the nation's No. 24 running back in his class by the website.
Payne, a second-team all-Greater Catholic League South division selection in 2019, is one of several talented players returning for the Lancers this fall.
La Salle (13-2) is the reigning Division II state champion. The Lancers open the season at Lakota West in August.
Payne rushed for 790 yards and nine touchdowns and caught eight passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games in 2019, according to the GCL website.
As a linebacker, he had 41 tackles (28 solo) including four sacks. He also had three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
"He will get more carries on offense and still play some defense," La Salle coach Pat McLaughlin told WCPO. "He continues to work on his footwork and strength. He is a leader as a junior on our football team."
Payne has several significant scholarship offers including Alabama, Kentucky, Penn State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Wisconsin, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Indiana and others.
