It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and this year, there’s no shortage of candidates. Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett is next up in Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch, which will be released in no particular order.

Most observers around the SEC concluded that without quarterback Jay Cutler triggering the Vanderbilt offense, standout freshman receiver Earl Bennett would see a dramatic drop off in production during his sophomore season. After grabbing 79 passes for 876 yards during his rookie campaign in Nashville, the Birmingham native found himself working with redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Nickson, who was starting for the first time in his career.

Undaunted, Bennett didn’t allow the inexperience at quarterback, or being the focal point for opposing defenses, slow his production. In 2006, Bennett increased both his receptions and yardage (82 catches for 1,146 yards) while earning All-SEC honors for the second consecutive season.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

Through his first two seasons, the 6’1”, 202-pound junior has 161 catches for 2,022 yards. No SEC receiver before him has as many catches in his first two seasons of eligibility. With two years remaining, Bennett needs just 48 receptions and 1,072 receiving yards to set new SEC standards for a career.

Playing in an offense that believes in establishing the running game, Bennett has shown remarkable playmaking ability. Over the final four games of his freshman season he totaled 49 catches for 545 yards against South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee, accounting for every yard of the game-winning drive against rival Tennessee in Knoxville. He torched eventual national champion Florida for 13 catches and 157 yards in Vanderbilt’s 25–19 loss last season.

Vanderbilt Team Preview

Surrounded by an experienced offense including five seniors on the front, Bennett will have opportunities to again put up some impressive stats. But a grueling SEC schedule will prevent Vanderbilt from gaining the necessary national attention.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: Though it’s likely a stretch, should Vanderbilt break through in the SEC with nine wins, the success no doubt would be attributed to Bennett.

Why he’ll be left out: While the Commodores may earn a trip to a bowl this season, amassing enough wins to hype a Heisman candidate is a tall order for a team in the SEC.

Final analysis: A longshot at best, Bennett is as talented as any player on the list, but may not have the win-loss record to garner significant votes.

2006 Stat Line