Norman North's Bryan Payne looking forward to contact

BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com

Norman North running back Bryan Payne isn’t about to let a little soreness slow him down Friday as the Timberwolves begin practicing in pads.

“I’m excited for it,” Payne said. “I’m a little banged up but I can’t wait. The defense has been talking a lot of trash.”

While Payne said Norman North’s defense will be one of the key to their successes this season, he’s ready to go head-to-head with anybody, even if they’re on the same team.

The biggest improvement he made in the offseason, he said, was learning how to follow his blocks and pick them up on the fly during a run.

“It’s all come together for me and making be a better player,” he said. “I try to take as many reps as I can before the other running backs come in, ask my coach about things I need to adjust to and when there is another guy in, watch what he’s doing so I can correct my mistakes.”

Norman North will hold an intersquad scrimmage Saturday morning as they prepare for Wade Standley’s first season as Timberwolves coach.