Earl Bennett
He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Vanderbilt.
College career
A three-time All-SEC selection at Vanderbilt, Bennett left school as the all-time SEC leader in receptions with 236.
Awards and honors
2005- First Team All-SEC (Coaches)
2005- Second Team All-SEC (AP)
2005- First Team SEC All Freshman Team
2005- Sporting News Second Team Freshman All American
2005- Scout.com First Team All American
2005- Rivals.com Second Team All American
2006- Rivals.com Third Team All American
2006- First Team All-SEC (AP)
2006- Second Team All-SEC (Coaches)
2006- Rivals.com First Team All-SEC
2006- Scout.com First Team All-SEC
Bennett celebrates a touchdown at Vanderbilt
Records
He set the Southeastern Conference record for career receptions with 236.
He has totaled more receptions than any other Southeastern Conference receiver after two years.
He set the school record with 223 receiving yards against the Richmond Spiders in the Commodores' 2007 opening season win.
He is the first ever SEC receiver to record 75 receptions in three different seasons.
Statistics
Professional career
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears chose Bennett in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He didn't catch a single pass his entire rookie year, and was mostly on the sidelines.
2009 Season
On April 2nd, 2009, Earl's former teammate at Vanderbilt and All-Pro quarterback Jay Cutler was acquired by the Bears via a trade with the Denver Broncos.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Bennett would be given "every opportunity" to win a spot as a starting receiver alongside Devin Hester in 2009. He is currently the No.2 Receiver on the depth chart and has become a favorite target for Cutler.
During that offseason, Earl also changed his number from 85 to 80.
Bennett had a key 2 point conversion against the Seattle Seahawks, for his first points of the 2009 season and his career.