FAYETTEVILLE — When Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey talked about the 2008 recruiting class at his season wrap-up news conference March 27, he noted that forward Daniel Payne had “a toughness to him and leadership qualities that this team needs.”

The Razorbacks won’t be getting anything from Payne next season.

Payne has been released from his scholarship, Arkansas announced Saturday, and “is no longer eligible to participate” at the UA, according to a news release.

Pelphrey couldn’t be reached for comment, but sources said Payne, who played the past two seasons at Coffeyville (Kan. ) Community College, was not going to be academically eligible to play at Arkansas next season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Neither Payne nor Coffeyville Coach Jay Herkelman could be reached for comment.

Payne, who signed with Arkansas in November, had been expected to compete for the starting small forward spot next season. Payne, 6-7, averaged 16. 9 points, 6. 7 rebounds and 2. 2 assists as a sophomore in leading Coffeyville to a 24-9 record.

Without Payne, Arkansas now has five signees for next season and could add more.

Jason Henry, a 6-7 forward from West Memphis who played at Cincinnati Harmony Prep School last season, signed with the Razorbacks this spring.

Fall signees were guards Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke and forwards Andre Clark and Brandon Moore.

Clark enrolled at Arkansas in January and began practicing with the team in February but did not play in any games.