Waylon Payne: The Joy Is Loud. The Dream Is Bigger.
Some kids grind.
Some kids dream.
Some kids just love the game.
And then there’s Waylon Payne — who somehow does all three at the same time.
The 2027 specialist out of Medina Valley High School in Castroville, Texas isn’t just chasing kicks… he’s chasing purpose. And he’s doing it with a smile on his face and a plan in his pocket.
High energy.
Level-headed.
Dialed into the process.
That combination? It’s dangerous.
Built Different in Panther Country
At 6’1” and 150 pounds, Waylon already looks the part. But what makes him special isn’t his frame
it’s his mindset.
He didn’t grow up with a roadmap for kickers.
He saw a gap… and decided to fill it.
He started football in 7th grade after a lifetime of soccer. By 8th grade, he made a business decision — no more getting hit, let’s specialize. But here’s the part that matters he didn’t just switch positions. He switched gears.
He realized there wasn’t much structure for kickers at his school. So instead of complaining, he built his own.
That’s maturity beyond his years.
The Record Breaker
Junior year?
He didn’t just participate. He rewrote history.
Waylon now holds the Medina Valley single-season records for PATs and total points. He was named Unanimous 1st Team All-District. Three-time Special Teams Player of the Game.
And when the moment came…
October 2025.
Tie game.
Playoff spot on the line against Laredo United.
Clock hits zero.
Ball sails through.
38–35.
District secured.
Ice in the veins.
But ask him what he’s most proud of?
It’s not the walk-off.
It’s growth.
It’s consistency.
It’s becoming better every single game.
That’s a pro answer.
The Part That Tells You Who He Really Is
Waylon is a Unified Special Olympics partner. His teammate secures the tee after kickoffs.
And when he talks about pride?
He doesn’t talk about stats.
He talks about that teammate being accepted as part of the team.
That tells you everything.
He even won an “Altruism” award from his coaches and he’s still trying to live up to it.
That’s leadership without needing a captain patch.
The Grind Nobody Sees
No special teams coach? No problem.
In-season:
Lift every day.
Kick every day.
10 kickoffs.
Field goals from every spot on the field.
Extra punt work
Weekly technical work with his trainer.
Weekly mental coaching sessions.
Right now?
Morning kicks twice a week.
Trainer twice on weekends.
Daily lifting.
He’s building speed.
He’s building power.
He’s building weight.
He’s building trust.
Mentally Wired the Right Way
He meets weekly with a mental coach.
He practices breathing.
Visualization.
Self-talk.
He spends time in prayer and reflection.
And he’s had guidance from Tate Sandell — a Lou Groza Award winner and one of the best to ever do it at Oklahoma.
That’s elite mentorship.
But mentorship only works if the student is hungry.
Waylon is.
Multi-Sport. Multi-Dimensional.
He plays varsity soccer as a defender.
He’s active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He owns his own car detailing business and pays his own car payment.
Read that again.
He’s not waiting on handouts.
He’s investing in himself.
Oh, and to add to the uniqueness of Waylon, he has a black lab named Socks, a 4-pound Chihuahua named Jovie, and a half-donkey half-zebra named Mr. Bojanjales.
Tell me that’s not personality.
The Thought Process That Separates Him
When asked about challenges ahead, he didn’t talk about rankings or offers.
He said this:
What if our team isn’t as successful next year? What if I don’t get the same opportunities?
That’s awareness.
And his answer?
“I need to be the most trusted person on the field.”
Not the loudest.
Not the flashiest.
The most trusted.
That’s college-ready thinking.
Camp Season Is Coming
He wants to be seen.
He wants to compete.
He wants to connect.
He understands that exposure matters but preparation matters more.
Longest FG in-game: 37 yards.
Practice range: 55 yards.
Kickoffs: Constantly striving for out of the end zone.
The leg is developing.
The body is developing.
The mindset? Already ahead.
Culture Over Everything
Waylon wants a positive program.
A place where everyone is valued.
A place where culture matters.
A place where faith can be part of the journey.
He’s willing to sit 1–3 years.
He’s willing to learn.
He’s willing to earn it.
Coachable.
Humble.
Competitive.
That’s a rare combo.
Coaches — Here’s Your Handshake Moment
Waylon Payne is the type of specialist who will:
Show up early.
Stay late.
Lift the locker room.
Handle pressure.
Serve others.
Work without spotlight.
Protect your culture.
And when the game is on the line?
He wants the ball.
FINAL WORD
Joy and focus can live in the same body.
That’s what makes Waylon special.
Big dreams.
Level head.
Serious about the process.
The 2027 class in Texas is loaded but don’t sleep on the Panther from Castroville.
Because the kid who builds his own path?
Usually ends up going further than anyone expected.
Specialists don’t always get development handed to them.
Sometimes they build it themselves.
Waylon Payne didn’t wait for a system.
He created one.
He didn’t complain about the lack of attention on special teams.
He became undeniable.
That’s the separator.
He’s joyful — but disciplined.
He’s fun — but focused.
He’s faith-driven — but fiercely competitive.
He trains without spotlight.
He serves without applause.
He prepares like his number will be called — because one day it will be.
And when it is?
You won’t just see a kicker.
You’ll see a young man who chose growth over excuses.
Culture over ego.
Trust over hype.
Coaches — if you’re looking for a specialist who understands that this position is about composure, consistency, and character…
The Panther from Castroville is building something.
And he’s building it the right way.
Know a Specialist Who Should Be Featured?
Off The Uprights highlights specialists across the country who are developing their craft and pursuing opportunities at the next level.
