Payne is committed to Bryant University to play football and he’s a true 1% type of athlete so it makes sense that the FCS program would prioritize the Washington High School star. Payne will see a massive rise in the rankings upon its near update and it’s due to his skillset really catching up with his athleticism. Payne is a WR on the football field and a jack of all trades on the basketball court. At 6’6″ he’s a dynamic and well rounded athlete with improved shooting touch and feel as a playmaker in this high octane Washington offense. Payne can knock down the catch and shoot three with consistency, make simple reads with ease in the middle of the floor, and be a constant above the rim threat in transition. Payne is undeniably productive, getting better, and it wouldn’t surprise me if a few schools make a push to get him to play basketball instead of football at the next level.

Might be the best and most well rounded athlete in the State of North Carolina regardless of class. Jarryn Payne Jarryn Payne 6'5" | SF Washington | 2026 State NC is a true hyper athlete with a skillset that is rapidly catching up to the athleticism. He’s knocking down catch and shoot threes with consistency now, showing the ability to make high level passes in multiple areas on the floor, all while flying around the court with a real purpose. Payne finished with 16 Points and 5 Rebounds on 7-10 from the floor and 2-3 from beyond the arc. The Bryant Football commit is shining on the hardwood for this Washington team that has legitimate state championship expectations. Payne is a really really intriguing prospect that can without a doubt play basketball at the next level as well.

I mean… who doesn’t love a 6’6″ hyper-athlete that can dribble, pass, and shoot a little bit? That is what we have with Jarryn Payne Jarryn Payne 6'5" | SF Washington | 2026 State NC and I really think that the Bryant Football Commit has a chance to get some basketball attention before he graduates in about 6 months. Payne is a vital piece to this Washington team that looks like the 4A East favorite. He helps protect the room, provide vertical spacing on the offensive end, all while being a true 94 foot presence with his ability to float around and make plays. He possesses incredible basketball instincts, he knows where to be, anticipating plays before they happen at both ends of the floor. He’s a true 99th% athlete that has instincts, a solid foundational level of skill, and a real motor. That is exactly what a lot of schools will be looking for in late additions, I have a feeling Mr.Payne will have some options with the kind of schedule and playoff run Washington looks to have lined up.

The two sport athlete who sports a division one football offer from Bryant university is an important piece for Washington high school team with state championship aspirations. He stands around 6’5 with a freakishly long arms and hops that help him jump out of the gym. He operates without the ball most of the time, but can step out and hit the three-pointer when need and does a solid job with straight line drives as well.

While much has been said about teammate, Chaise Smith Chaise Smith 6'2" | CG Washington | 2026 State NC , Payne is equally impressive given his athleticism and ability to fly around the floor on both ends of the floor; he’s due for a strong senior campaign after producing 16.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 1.7 bpg as a junior with Washington High

One of the most athletic guys in the gym during the event put on the show, throwing down multiple dunks in transition to bring the crowd to its feet. He has an evolving offensive game that includes being able to step out and knock down to three pointer at a solid rate now. Defensively he blocks shots well from the weakside and moves his feet well on the perimeter.

One of the most consistent players in the 252 area code this season has been the lanky forward from Washington High School.  Averaging just under 17 points, 9 rebounds, and two blocks he’s a threat to throwdown an impressive dunk or can even step out a knock down the occasional three pointer.

Payne is coming along nicely in the Washington frontcourt at the wing spot as he moves into 59 in the latest 2026 rankings update. He’s an athletic menace who’s also shown he can make plays for others and knock down shots on the perimeter this season. He’s producing 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game as the PamPack are 3-1 in 2A Eastern Plains action heading into February. DI and DII programs in the region would be wise to check in on him.

Payne is an emerging junior prospect who’s starting to figure things out in the Washington frontcourt early in the year. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist (unofficially) in showcasing what he can do on the hardwood at 6-foot-5. As he adjusts to the pace of the game and finds ways to attack the rim, look for his name to grow in the 2026 class.