Bringing the "Payne" in the SEC

Photo courtesy of Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Cameron Artis-Payne is about to get used to saying "War Eagle."

The explosive and powerful Allan Hancock College-Santa Maria running back received a late push from Auburn during the season. After his visit on Nov. 4 to the Southeastern Conference school, the late offer by the Tigers paid off - as Cameron Artis-Payne will now head to Auburn and join its 2013 recruiting class.

Artis-Payne turned down the likes of New Mexico, Utah State, Washington and Utah. He became one of the more sought-after running backs on the junior college scene due to his monster 2012 season. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Artis-Payne is leading the state in rushing yards per game (204.2) and in rushing touchdowns with 23. He has 1,838 rushing yards this season, which includes four games of 206-yards or more and a 351-yard performance versus Pasadena College on Oct. 20.

Artis-Payne should fit nicely at the SEC school. Auburn has always been a running back factory with names ranging from Bo Jackson, Stephen Davis, Ronnie Brown, all the way to Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Artis-Payne's running style involves a combination of brute force and breakaway speed with a 4.47 40-yard dash time, something Auburn's offense should love.

Artis-Payne becomes the second running back on the Central Coast to commit to a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) school. Lompoc High School's Lavon Coleman committed to Washington before his senior season.

MORE ON ARTIS-PAYNE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/794024/cameron-artis-payne