Bennett named Vanderbilt's 2015 SEC Legend

Sept. 29, 2015

Earl Bennett, one of the most productive wide receivers in Southeastern Conference history during a three-year Vanderbilt career from 2005-07, will be celebrated as Vanderbilt’s SEC Legend this December.

Bennett will be recognized as part of Southeastern Conference Football Championship activities this Dec. 4-5 in Atlanta.

A native of Birmingham, Ala., Bennett was a three-year All-SEC receiver. He set numerous conference receiving marks, including five touchdown catches in a game and 236 career receptions which was later bettered by Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews.

Bennett established himself as a true freshman in 2005, combining with senior quarterback and eventual SEC Offensive Player of the Year Jay Cutler for 79 receptions, 876 yards and nine touchdown catches.

As a sophomore in 2006, Bennett registered 82 catches for 1,146 yards an six touchdowns. In his final year as a Commodore, Bennett had 75 catches, becoming the only player in SEC history to post three consecutive seasons of at least 75 receptions.

Bennett ended his Vanderbilt career with two SEC records: 236 career receptions and five touchdown receptions in a single game (vs. Kentucky, 2005). Bennett’s career receptions record was eclipsed in 2013 by Vanderbilt record holder Jordan Matthews.

Bennett was taken in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears where he played five years. He recently returned to Vanderbilt to complete his undergraduate degree.

2015 Earl Bennett, WR, 2005-07
2014 Jonathan Goff, LB, 2004-07
2013 Jimmy Williams, RB/DB, 1997-2000
2012 Hunter Hillenmeyer, LB, 1999-2002
2011 Corey Harris, DB/RB, 1988-91
2010 Corey Chavous, DB, 1994-97
2009 Jamie Duncan, LB, 1995-97
2008 Shelton Quarles, LB, 1990-93
2007 Chuck Scott, WR/TE, 1981-84
2006 Eric Jones, QB, 1986-88
2005 Chris Gaines, LB, 1984-87
2004 Boo Mitchell, WR, 1985-88
2003 Whit Taylor, QB, 1972-82
2002 Jim Arnold, punter, 1979-82
2001 Will Wolford, OT, 1982-85
2000 Herb Rich, RB, 1946-49
1999 Bob Werckle, OT, 1947-51
1998 Charley Horton, RB, 1952-55
1997 Bucky Curtis, WR, 1947-50
1996 John Hall, OL, 1951-54
1995 Bob Asher, OT, 1967-69
1994 Bill Wade, QB, 1949-51