With only 47 days left until the University of Georgia kicks off the 2016 football season in the Georgia Dome against the University of North Carolina, take a moment to Know Your Bulldogs.
Blocking for the running backs and occasionally busting creating and busting through a hole in opposing defensive line himself, will be No. 47 Christian Payne. Although the Bulldogs have lacked prominent fullback play in the last several seasons, a new offensive coordinator and offensive philosophies could yield a larger role for Payne and other fullbacks in 2016. Time will tell...
Class: Junior
Major: Biology
Hometown: Athens, Ga
High School: Prince Avenue Christian
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 232
Position: Fullback
Birth Date: 2/26/1996
Related: Cousin, Stan Payne, pitched for the Bulldogs during their run to the 1990 national championship. Cousin, Brandon Barden, played tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Career Highs: 2 receptions at Georgia Tech in 2015
*35 receiving yards at Georgia Tech in 2015
*Long reception of 23 yards at Georgia Tech in 2015
2016: Named Outstanding Walk-On - Offense during the spring.
2015: Played in eight games ... UGA Comeback Player of the Year ... four receptions for 57 yards ... two catches for 35 yards at Georgia Tech ... 20-yard reception at Auburn.
2014: Played in seven games, making one start ... made first career start vs. No. 16 Georgia Tech ... saw first career action at Arkansas.
High School: Prince Avenue Christian, coached by Jeff Herron … leading tackler during 2011-13 seasons … helped lead the Wolverines to the 2011 and 2013 Region 8-A titles … honored as the 2013 Region 8-A Player of the Year and was included on the All-State, All-Region and Northeast Georgia teams … earned a spot on the 2012 All-State First Team, Northeast Georgia First Team, All Region team and the All-Academic team … named to the 2011 All-Region and All-Region Academic teams … member of National Honor Society and Beta Club.