HARRISBURG -- Former Harrisburg High School running back Cameron Artis-Payne has announced he will play football at Auburn University.
Artis-Payne is currently attending Allan Hancock College, a junior college in Santa Maria, California. The sophomore has rushed for 1,838 yards so far this season and has broken four school records for rushing yards and touchdowns scored, according to the college.
"I chose Auburn because of the history of the school and because they put out a lot of great running backs," Artis-Payne said, according to Hancock College's website. "I'm really excited about starting my Division I career."
Sources informed CBS 21 News Sports Director Jason Bristol earlier today of Artis-Payne's decision to play for Auburn in the Southeastern Conference.
The running back made his decision at a news conference this afternoon in California. He was reportedly choosing between Auburn, Utah, Washington.
"Cameron is a self-made man," said Hancock head coach Kris Dutra. "Through hard work, he made this happen for himself and I'm very proud of him."
Artis-Payne came to Santa Maria because he felt that he could excel in Hancock's offense. He was right.
"Coach Dutra has helped me a lot in the last two years and I want to tell him thank you," Artis-Payne said.
He is the state JUCO leader in rushing yards per game (204) and touchdowns (23) and has earned five conference player of the week honors from the Southern California Football Association.
Artis-Payne ran for 1,364 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2011 and was named All-California First Team Offense in Region IV by the California Community College Football Coaches Association.
Information used in this story is courtesy of Allan Hancock College. Some video used in this story is courtesy of KSBY-TV.
