Gainesville’s Fred Payne and Deshaun Watson received outstanding team member awards Thursday night at the school’s annual football awards banquet.
Payne received the Paul Gilbert Most Outstanding Character and Leadership award, and Watson was named the Bobby Gruhn Most Valuable Player of the Year.
Watson finished the season 305 of 434 passing with 4,021 yards and 50 touchdowns. He also added 1,430 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns. Payne led the Red Elephants’ defense with 121 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, eight pass break-ups, four interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Payne was also named the team Defensive Back of the Year.
The pair led the team to their first Class AAAAA state championship in the fall and earned All-State honors.
Gainesville High 2012 Football Awards
JV Offensive Player of Year, Mikey Gonzalez
JV Defensive Player of Year, Kash Jones
Scout Team Offensive Player of Year, Terrell Hendrix
Scout Team Defensive Player of Year, Chris Byrd
Cy Bell Hustle Award, Neil Pavao
Durward Pennington Special Teams Player of Year, Gage Turner
Fellowship Christian Athlete of the Year, Neil Pavao
Defensive Lineman of the Year, Damian Grayson
Lance Roland Linebacker of the Year, Devan Stringer
Defensive Back of the Year, Fred Payne
Offensive Lineman of the Year, Chase England
Receiver of the Year, Caleb Hayman
Offensive Back of the Year, Michael Byrd and Rodney Lackey
Chris Mance Most Improved Player of Year, Jack Cumiskey and Jay Gaudlock
Paul Gilbert Outstanding Character and Leadership, Fred Payne
Bobby Gruhn Most Valuable Player of the Year, Deshaun Watson