St. Rita four-year standout Mark Payton, who received his release from Arizona State last month, has settled on his new school: the University of Texas. Payton, who earned PBR first-team All-State honors in the spring, had committed to Arizona State early in his junior year. But after coach Pat Murphy was fired, and with NCAA sanctions looming, Payton got his release.

Payton, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 31^st round, finished his senior year with a .432 batting average, 10 homers, 12 doubles, 43 RBI and 59 runs scored for the Mustangs. In four years at St. Rita, he appeared in three state tournaments, including consecutive runner-up finishes the last two years.

In other recruiting news, Illinois State landed Class of 2011 recruit when it received a commitment from Salt Fork LHP Joel Learnard. At 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Learnard emerged this spring as one of the premier pitching prospects in the class. …

Ben Albano, a Class of 2010 outfielder from Jacobs HS, will now play at Lewis University next year. Albano, who had committed to Luther College, earned third-team All-State honors after he clubbed 16 home runs, 11 doubles, 2 triples, 67 RBI while batting .533 for the Golden Eagles. …

Luke Rojas, a Class of 2011 middle infielder from St. Charles East HS, has committed to Olivet-Nazarene. … Tyler Schweigert, a Class of 2010 SS from Libertyville HS, has signed with Eastern Illinois University. … Nick Molina, a Class of 2010 RHP/INF from Sterling HS, has committed to play at Rock Valley CC.

For a complete list of commitments, Click Here.