copyin' all up in yo' pasta al.com
AUBURN, Alabama -- Gus Malzahn's first official signee as Auburn's head coach has put his commitment in writing.
Cameron Artis-Payne, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back out of Allan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria, Calif., signed a national letter of intent with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day that junior college transfers can officially sign. Artis-Payne will enroll in January.
“I chose Auburn because of the history of the school and because they put out a lot of great running backs,†Artis-Payne said in an Allan Hancock release when he first committed. “I’m really excited about starting my Division I career.†Artis-Payne, rated a three-star back by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports, is a powerful runner who put up big numbers at the junior college level in both seasons at Allan Hancock.
A Harrisburg, Penn. native, Artis-Payne exploded onto the national scene with 1,364 yards and 18 touchdowns, then followed up that performance by breaking the hallowed 2,000-yard barrier this season.
Artis-Payne rushed for 2,048 yards and 25 yards on 261 carries, breaking Allan Hancock records for single-season yardage, touchdowns and career yardage.
"Cameron is a self-made man," Bulldogs head coach Kris Dutra said. "Through hard work, he made this happen for himself, and I’m very proud of him."
Artis-Payne, a physical back, played in a pro-style formation at Allan Hancock. Under Dutra's scheme, Artis-Payne spent most of his time working behind a fullback in a traditional I-formation, although the Bulldogs did use some spread concepts. After briefly going through doubts in the wake of Gene Chizik's firing, Artis-Payne reaffirmed his commitment after talking to Malzahn, who assured the runner that his offense is based around a two-back, power-running game, according to the sites that cover Auburn recruiting -- AuburnUndercover.com, AuburnSports.com and Inside the Auburn Tigers.
"I’ve always wanted to play in the Southeastern Conference, and I’ve achieved that,†Artis-Payne said. “It’s a dream come true for me.â€