|
Bennett Named Freshman All-American 12/28/2005
Hahnfeldt, Langford Also Named Freshman All-SEC by Publication
Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett became the first Commodore in three years to earn Freshman All-American honors from The Sporting News. Bennett, who set a SEC and Vanderbilt freshman record with 79 receptions this season, was named to The Sporting News’ Second Team Offense. Two other Commodore first-year players, safety Reshard Langford and placekicker/punter Bryant Hahnfeldt also earned honorable mention recognition. The weekly sports magazine’s freshman All-American ballot is regarded as the nation’s most prestigious. The freshmen squad was announced last week, along with the publication’s All-SEC freshman squad. Bennett, Langford and Hahnfeldt were first team selections to the all-conference freshman squad, with Langford earning unanimous support. Bennett is the first Commodore to earn Freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News since four Vanderbilt players, including quarterback Jay Cutler, return specialist Kwane Doster and linebacker Moses Osemwegie, were recognized in 2002. Bennett also becomes just the seventh Vanderbilt freshman ever to earn The Sporting News recognition. Bennett rewrote the Vanderbilt freshman receiving record books. In addition to his 79-catch total, the native of Birmingham, Ala., also amassed 876 receiving yards and nine touchdown passes, both new Commodore freshmen records. He put together a remarkable one-month stretch to close the season — 49 receptions, 545 receiving yards, nine TDs in the Commodores’ last four games. His last reception of the season — a 5-yard touchdown catch in the waning moments at Knoxville — provided Vanderbilt with its biggest victory in years, a 28-24 triumph over Tennessee. He was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Week after his performance at Tennessee. Langford, a redshirt freshman from Tanner, Ala., started every game for the Commodores at strong safety. Langford topped the Commodore defense with three interceptions and was one of the unit’s leaders with 44 solo tackles.also played a big role in the win over Tennessee, ending a Volunteer threat with an interception while contributing four solo tackles. One of Langford’s best performances came against LSU, when he had nine tackles, an interception, forced fumble and one of the most punishing Commodore tackles in years. Hahnfeldt, a native of Nashville, was solid in all phases of the kicking game. As a placekicker, Hahnfeldt hit on 12 of 17 field goals, including five of six from 40-49 yards, and made 29 of 30 extra point attempts. As a punter, Hahnfeldt averaged 41.1 yards per attempts. Hahnfeldt earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his kicking performance at Florida. |
