ATHENS — When Greyson Lambert and fullback Glenn Welch failed to connect on a short pass last Saturday, one might have chalked it up to the two not being in sync. Lambert just joined the team in July, and Welch was a new starter.

But not being familiar with each other wasn’t the issue.

“I’ve known Greyson since I was little,” Welch said. “He grew up right down the road from me.”

That was in Jesup, where Lambert went to the same school and church as the Welch family: Glenn and his older brother Parker, a former Georgia quarterback. In fact for one year Glenn Welch was the center and Lambert the quarterback at Wayne County High School.

Welch joined Georgia as a walk-on, just like his older brother, but as an offensive linemen. Yes, the younger brother has been bigger than his older one for awhile now. Seeing that he wouldn’t get much playing time on Georgia’s offensive line he asked about a move to fullback, where walk-ons have flourished at Georgia.

After an injury to starter Christian Payne, Welch moved into a bigger role, and on Georgia’s second drive last week found a Lambert coming his way.

“It was a little nerve-wracking,” Welch said, grinning. “You go from snapping a ball between your legs to going out for a route, it’s a bit different.”

The ball was just out of Welch’s reach. It appeared overthrown, but Welch said he should’ve caught it.

Either way, Welch’s blocking appears to have earned him some time. Running backs coach Thomas Brown said Welch has earned the spot by being “consistent” and “physical.” And it coincided with a season in which he crossed paths again with his old friend.

“That was pretty neat when I found out he was coming,” Welch said. “That was really cool. Obviously a little different position than I played with him in high school.”