Payne Finds Friends in Charlottesville

Keith Payne, from Oakton High School in Vienna, (Va.) has given his verbal pledge to Coach Al Groh.

"I gave my oral commitment to Coach Al Groh yesterday," said running back Keith Payne. "I'm really excited about it."

Payne was fielding calls from media from across the state as Scout.com had the opportunity to interview him as well.

Asking Payne his current height, weight and stats Payne replied, "I'm 6-2, 230. I have 1,300 yards and about 20 touchdowns."

Payne gave his verbal pledge to the Cavaliers, but is not finished with the recruiting process.

"I am going to Clemson this weekend for an official visit," he said. "I'll set up official visits with UVa, Maryland and Virginia Tech."

The University of Virginia offered Payne a scholarship on Saturday, and he verbally committed on the spot.

"I've been waiting on an offer from UVa. It was one of my top schools and I've been waiting on an offer from them," Payne said.

Oakton is 7-2 and will play the last regular season game this week before going to the play-offs the following week.

As a junior, Payne was named honorable mention all-metro, first team all-district and first team all-region after rushing for 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns with 157 carries. He recorded 13 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns.