COLLEGE CAREER: Versatile player in his 4 seasons at the University of Louisiana-Monroe (2003-2006) seeing time at running back, safety, return man and punter during his career… Three-time all-Sun Belt Conference selection, spent his last 2 seasons at ULM seeing action at both safety positions after starting career at running back; adding punting duties in final year while also serving time as a kick returner… Started 38 of 43 games played (20 starts at safety and 18 at running back)… Gathered 185 tackles with 6 interceptions, 4 PDs, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries… Led Warhawks in tackles as a junior (87) and senior (98)… Had 45 punts in his senior year for 1,826 yards and a gross average of 40.6 yards with 7 punts landing inside-the-20… Rushed for 1,234 yards and 8 TDs on 325 carries (3.8 ypc) with 54 receptions for 607 yards (11.2 ypc) and 4 touchdowns, including ULM freshman record 976 yards in 2003… 68 of 324 rushing attempts (21.0%) resulted in first downs and 34 were for at least 10 yards.

HOW ACQUIRED: Entered NFL as a fifth-round selection (167th overall) by Chicago in the 2007 NFL Draft.

PERSONAL NOTES: Attended Junction City (Ark.) High School, playing football for head coach David Carpenter… Class 2A All-State and All-District tailback during senior year, gaining over 1,700 yards with 26 rushing TDs…Named team’s Defensive M.V.P. after leading team in tackles as a junior DB… Lettered in basketball in three seasons and garnered All-State honors for baseball while competing as a catcher... Son of Jackie and Levi Payne...Brother Gerod was a strong safety and teammate at Louisiana-Monroe (2002-03).