Sources: San Dimas running back Jake Payton has transferred to Upland

payton San Dimas junior Jake Payton, the Valle Vista league most valuable player, has transferred to Inland Division power Upland and already has competed with the Highlanders in a passing tournament, sources have confirmed. We’ve posted rumors of Payton leaving for more than a month and speculated that he would likely go to Upland. What a surprise? Now comes the big question, will Payton be eligible? This is an obvious transfer for athletic reasons, but will San Dimas challenge it? That’s the key, if San Dimas challenges it the way West Covina challenged Antonio “Noodles” Hull’s transfer to Diamond Bar, where Hull has been declared ineligible by CIF because of an athletically motivated transfer, you would assume that Payton would likely suffer the same fate. If San Dimas does nothing and Payton moves to Upland, then Payton likely will be eligible come Week 1. Just like Noodles, I hope Payton is able to play and that San Dimas will let him leave and wish him well so he can pursue his dreams. But here’s the thing, will Payton be good enough to be a star at Upland the way he was at San Dimas? Will playing a Upland, in what could be a limited role because of a huge step-up in class with many more athletes around him, help his scholarship chances more than being at San Dimas, where he is dominant in the Wing Z? If he’s eligible, that’s the risk he takes going to a power like Upland where he’s just one of many talented players. If he’s not eligible, he can ask Jordan Canada what it’s like to transfer your senior year and not be able to play. That’s the risk he’s taking, and for his sake, I hope it works out.

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