Oct. 23, 2007
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He is closing in on the all-time Southeastern Conference record for most receptions and receiving yards in a career, but there is much more to Earl Bennett than just the numbers he puts up on the gridiron. A native of Birmingham, Ala., the junior wide receiver has remained committed to giving back to his hometown. So much so that the city presented Bennett with the Outstanding Citizen Medal in July. In addition to giving back to the community off the field, Bennett has given opposing defenses nothing but nightmares. A two-time first team All-SEC selection, Bennett is the only player in SEC history with two seasons of 75 catches or more. He entered the 2007 season just 48 catches shy of becoming the league’s all-time receptions leader and 1,071 yards short of the SEC receiving yardage mark.
On receiving his Outstanding Citizen Medal from the Birmingham City Council
It was great to receive the award. I was definitely honored to get it. I didn’t expect it, so I was surprised when they told me.
On why he enjoys being involved in the community
It really means a lot to me, and it is a big deal. I just enjoy helping out as much as I can. I believe that it is important to help in the community as much as possible.
On being mentioned with some of the top receivers to ever play in the SEC
That means a lot to me. It is an honor to be mentioned among some of the great receivers who have played in this league. There have been so many great receivers that have been through this league, and I am just delighted to be mentioned along with all of them.
On deciding to attend Vanderbilt
It was close to home, and my family really liked it. Vanderbilt has great academics and great athletics, so it seemed like a perfect fit.
On going to college in Nashville
It is great. You meet so many people, including celebrities. It is a great campus and a great university. It is just terrific to be here in Nashville.
On what it would mean to help get Vanderbilt to its first bowl game since 1982
It would be very special not only for the university, but also for the city of Nashville. I would love to help get Vanderbilt back to a bowl game.
On how he developed his receiving skills growing up
I’d play catch with my brothers. They would try to throw the ball real hard at me so I wouldn’t catch it, but I somehow managed to catch it. They really helped me develop my hands.
On having two brothers and two sisters
It was cool growing up with them. I was the youngest, so I pretty much got anything I wanted. My other brothers used to get mad at me about that. I love my brothers and sisters, and they helped me become the man that I am today. I owe them a lot.
On his mom, Sarah
I love my mom to death. We’ve been through a lot together, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world.
On his childhood idol growing up
Jerry Rice was the person I followed growing up. He was just such a great player and person. I just enjoyed watching him play.
On his favorite team as a kid
I used to love the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. I used to love Barry Bonds, too. I didn’t play baseball until I got into high school, but I used to just love Barry. I had a beanie doll with No. 25 on the back.
On playing basketball growing up
I used to love playing basketball. My eighth-grade year in middle school, I averaged 25 points per game. When I got to high school everybody was taller and bigger, so it was a growth process that I had to go through. I started playing football my ninth-grade year, and then I started playing baseball. Basketball kind of got left behind.
On his favorite off-day activity
I like to go bowl, or me and some guys will go and shoot pool at the rec center. Mostly, we will go bowling and just hang out and have fun. I kind of have a bowling form that is opposite from most. I use my right arm to bowl, and I also step with my right foot. It is kind of weird.
