'Definitely High on My List!' TCU Making Strong Impression on 2028 Recruit

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TCU continues to build relationships with some of the top young talent in the state of Texas, and Vernon standout Tyce Payne is becoming an intriguing name to watch for the Horned Frogs.

Payne, a 2028 prospect, currently holds 11 scholarship offers from programs across the country. That list includes four Big 12 schools along with programs from the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, Conference USA and American Athletic Conference. TCU is among the schools that have made a strong impression on the talented Texas prospect.

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The Horned Frogs first extended an offer to Payne during a June minicamp in Fort Worth. Since then, the relationship between Payne and TCU's coaching staff has continued to grow.

TCU Assistant Director of Player Personnel Cobe Bryant was the first member of the TCU staff to reach out to Payne, while Ken Wilson has also played an important role in the recruitment.

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Head coach Sonny Dykes has also made an impression on the Vernon standout.

"Coach Cobe Bryant was the first to contact me," Payne said to KillerFrogs reporter Baileigh Sheffield. "Coach Ken Wilson has been great throughout and came out to my school in the spring. Coach Tommerdahl knows a family friend and always talks to us. Coach Dykes is always great every time we visit."

Those relationships have helped keep TCU firmly in the picture. Payne specifically pointed to the atmosphere surrounding the program when explaining what stands out to him about the Horned Frogs.

"I think TCU is a good program, I really like their staff. They have a family culture."

Payne is not planning to rush into a decision, however. The Vernon standout said that he is enjoying the recruiting process and could make his commitment sometime this spring.

Even with plenty of time remaining before that decision, Payne made it clear that TCU is already among the programs he is seriously considering.

"TCU is definitely high on my list."

On the field, Payne is coming off an impressive junior season in which he recorded 59 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, three sacks and a forced fumble. He also contributed offensively with 586 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, showing the versatility that has helped generate interest from college programs.

His senior season got off to a delayed start after a slight MCL strain forced him to miss Vernon’s first two games, but Payne has since returned to action.

For now, the focus remains on his senior season and continued development. With TCU already high on his list and several strong relationships established in Fort Worth, Payne’s recruitment will be one to monitor as the 2028 cycle continues.

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