Sept. 8, 2017
Earl Bennett wasted no time making his mark on Vanderbilt football.
As an electric freshman for the Commodores in 2005, Bennett teamed with veteran quarterback Jay Cutler to author the greatest season ever by a Vanderbilt freshman receiver. Bennett set a team and SEC freshman record with 79 catches, second most by a Commodore. The freshman also finished third in the SEC with 876 receiving yards, earning All-SEC honors along the way.
Bennett went on to play three seasons at Vanderbilt, catching 236 passes for 2,852 yards and 20 touchdowns. He left West End as the SEC’s all-time leader in career receptions and now sits second all-time behind former Commodore Jordan Matthews. Bennett remains tied for most touchdowns catches in a single game in SEC history with five, which he hauled in against Kentucky in 2005.
An All-American and multi-time All-SEC honoree at Vanderbilt, Bennett declared for the NFL draft after his junior season in 2007. The Chicago Bears selected Bennett with the 70th overall pick in the third round of the 2008 draft. He went on to play five seasons with the Bears, catching 185 passes for 2,277 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Bennett later returned to Vanderbilt to earn his degree in educational studies. He is currently enrolled at VU pursuing a graduate degree in Learning, Diversity and Urban Studies.
All 2017 Vanderbilt Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during the Commodores’ home football opener against Alabama A&M on Sept. 9.
