Apollo Payne Finds Fit at Iowa
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Apollo Payne grew up cheering for his father's alma mater. Now, the son will carry on dad's legacy as an Iowa Hawkeye.
OJ Payne graduated from Davenport West High. He attended Ellsworth Community College before walking on in Iowa City. He appeared in six games for the 2002 Big Ten Champion Hawkeyes.
After turning down a preferred walk-on (PWO) opportunity from Iowa State and scholarships from smaller schools, Apollo accepted Iowa's PWO. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association after catching 46 passes for 838 yards and eight touchdowns in '23.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder also stood out on defense for the Prairie Hawks. He racked up 42 solo tackles last season as a defensive back.
"Iowa is bringing me in as a receiver," he said. "I don’t plan on being changed to a different position, but I'm looking to do what’s best for the team and how I can get on the field. But I know I can be a great receiver for them in future years."
In addition to the sentimental connections to the Hawkeyes, Apollo saw Iowa as his best college opportunity.
"I felt that it was the best option for me because of the home feeling I had being there. I had made multiple visits, and every time I went it just got better," he said.
"Iowa builds players up. You can come in a certain build and grow so much if you put in the work. I'm a very hard worker even when I have to do it on my own. Also, Iowa expects a lot, character wise, out of their players, and I feel I'm a great fit for that."
Apollo Payne will be majoring in Sports Management in college. He'll pursue his degree like he attacks football practice.
"I'll put my head down and grind. It’s not often a guy comes in and is the go-to guy, but I know if I give 110 percent everyday, eventually, it’s gonna lead to playing time and it’s gonna show in the game," he said.
He'll move south on I-380 thankful to those people who helped him realize a dream.
"The Cedar Rapids Prairie community has helped a bunch with all of the support from people around the area and kids coming up to say hi outside of school. I'll be in the Iowa Shrine Bowl this year. Community businesses have helped me with raising money so much. It’s been great," he said.
