Bennett Chosen for A.P. Little All-America Second Team

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior offensive tackle Brandon Bennett (6'2", 290 lbs, San Marcos, CA/La Costa Canyon HS) has been named to the A.P. Little All-America Second Team for the 2007 season. Bennett was selected to the Third Team in 2006.

The A.P. Little All-America Team included players from NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III, as well as the NAIA. A total of 75 players were honored, with 25 each on the First Team, Second Team and Third Team.

Bennett also has been named Third Team All-America by D3Football.com. He was chosen Honorable Mention All-America by D3Football.com in 2005 and 2006. D3Football.com selected 100 players for its All-America Team, with the total equally divided between First Team, Second Team, Third Team and Honorable Mention choices.

The A.P. and D3Football.com honors were added to an impressive list of awards during Bennett's four seasons at Willamette. His awards from the 2007 season already included being chosen for the AFCA Division III Coaches All-America Team for the second year in a row and earning First Team All-West Region honors from D3Football.com.

Bennett was selected Second Team All-West Region by D3Football.com in 2006. He received Third Team All-West Region recognition in 2005.

He was named First Team All-Northwest Conference in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He earned Honorable Mention All-NWC recognition as a freshman in 2004.

During the past four seasons, Bennett provided blocking that allowed the Bearcats to achieve 8,960 rushing yards (229.7 yards per game) and 94 touchdowns. In 2007, he helped the Bearcats rush for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was also a key pass protector as WU accumulated 343.0 total yards of offense per game.

Bennett was chosen by his teammates as Willamettes Offensive Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007. He was a freshman on Willamette's team in 2004 that qualified for the NCAA Division III Playoffs.

On Dec. 8, 2007, Bennett represented Willamette on the United States team of NCAA Division III All-Stars at the 2007 Aztec Bowl in Chihuahua, Mexico. The United States' ground game led to two fourth quarter touchdowns to hold off Mexico, 37-19. Bennett helped the USA gain 191 rushing yards and 397 total yards during the game.

Willamette finished the 2007 season with a 4-6 overall record, including a 3-3 record (4th place) in the Northwest Conference. Willamette defeated arch rival Linfield College, 33-32, on Sept. 29 and lost five games by nine points or less. One of the Bearcats' losses came against NWC champion Whitworth, 20-17 in overtime, on Oct. 27.