#BestOfThe2000s: Brandon Payne

@UNMLoboFB on Twitter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Brandon Payne turned in an incredible senior season, one of the greatest by a defensive back in Lobo history, and the fans have never forgotten it.  He was voted as the first defensive back to .  Romero was voted by the fans to the #BestOfThe2000s team, becoming the 25th member of the squad.

Payne picked up 51.3% of the vote to outdistance second-place finisher D’Angelo Ross, who had 28.3% of the vote.  Josh Bazinet and Clint McPeek rounded out the poll.
 

Boom! Brandon Payne (@CoachBpayne28) is the first DB and the 25th member of the #BestOfThe2000s team! Next poll is coming up! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/MAaOFCbkvW

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 6, 2020

The series is a way to engage Lobo fans with the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payne played two seasons with the Lobos, lettering in 2003 and 2004, but that 2004 season was one for the books.  He led the nation in passes defended with six interceptions and 17 PBUs.  His six interceptions was tied for fourth in the nation as well and it is still tied for fifth-most in Lobo single-season history. The 17 PBUs is also the single-season record, and despite just two seasons, he is eighth in career PBUs at UNM with 21.  He was named the teams’ Most Improved Player, and he went on to be named First Team All-Mountain West and Second Team All-American from Walter Camp.
 

And here is the second of five polls for the next DB slot on the #BestOfThe2000s team. This poll will end at noon tomorrow. The second place finisher will advance and stay alive for the next poll. #GoLobos

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 6, 2020

#BestOfThe2000s Team (Selected by the Fans)