Football: Jordan Payton understands the sometimes ‘crazy’ recruiting process

As letter of intent day approaches on Wednesday and committing and decommitting picks up steam, it’s a good time to remember the tale of Jordan Payton, who two years ago was in the national spotlight as a receiver at Westlake Village Oaks Christian.

During his recruiting year, he made commitments to USC, California and Washington, twice going on national TV to make his announcement. On signing day, he changed again and signed with UCLA.

“It’s crazy, but the people have to understand this process is crazy,” Payton said in 2012. “You’re giving an 18-year-old kid a decision of a lifetime. I wanted to make sure I made the right decision.”

At the time, Payton received lots of criticism, but it appears everything has worked out the way he had hoped.

“UCLA is an amazing place,” he said.

He started four games as a freshman and 11 games this past season as a sophomore. And he understands what some high school seniors will be experiencing now that he’s a veteran at age 20.

“You get pulled in so many different directions,” he said. “You’re so young and you don’t know what’s going on. You build relationships with coaches and don’t want to let them down. It comes down to that final minute. It will reveal itself and if it doesn’t, it goes with those kids who transfer out.”

As for his recruiting experience, he said, “It took longer and a few twists and turns. I believe my four commitments were honest things. I really liked each school. It’s like shoes. You have a favorite pair of shoes. You have five for five different reasons, but there’s one pair you put on for whatever reason. It sticks with you through every situation.”

As for the recruiting game in 2014 compared to 2012, Payton said, “I can’t imagine how much crazier it is.”

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com