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Deland McCullough has done it again.
The Indiana running backs coach is on track to steer another heralded ball carrier to Bloomington, securing a verbal commitment from four-star Ohio running back Gi’Bran Payne on Monday.
Payne, considered the No. 24 running back in the nation per the 247 Sports Composite rankings, chose the Hoosiers from a lengthy and impressive offer list that includes overtures from Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Iowa, Louisville, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Tennessee, among others. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound runner is also considered the No. 246 overall player in the nation in the composite database.
Here’s the scouting report from 247 Sports’ Allen Trieu:
One cut and go back with good acceleration and has shown he can hit the home run against good competition. Would not classify as a big back, but is compact with a good muscle base as he heads into college. Prefers to hit the crease and go but when he needs to get creative, he shows some elusiveness and wiggle. Solid pass catcher. Can still get faster in the top end. Has dealt with some injuries and also has split carries at other times in his career so there is less to go on with him than with other highly ranked national running back prospects.
Payne is the 14th player to commit to IU this cycle and the fourth four-star prospect. His 247 Sports scouting rating of .9099 ranks third in the class, just behind cornerback Trevell Mullen and right ahead of receiver Omar Cooper. According to the 247 Sports Class Calculator, Payne’s pledge bumps Indiana’s class score to No. 18 nationally and fifth in the Big Ten.