23: Joe Bennett, Tackle (1920 – 1923)
In the modern days of college sports, there been a number of players who have found success in multiple sports during their collegiate years. Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson, Charlie Ward, and Harschel Walker are just a few who excelled in multiple sports. Back in the 1920’s, Georgia had its own multi-sport star in Joe Bennett.
Statesboro native Joe Bennett earned a starting position at tackle for Georgia during his freshman season in 1920. Playing both offense and defense, he became a key component of John Stegeman’s 1921 squad that would be the first Georgia squad to go undefeated since 1896. The team finished 8-0-1 and won the Southern Conference championship. Bennett would continue his fine play in 1922 and 1923, earning All-Southern conference honors both years. He was named a Walter Camp All-American in 1922. During his senior season in 1923, he was named Georgia captain and once again earned All-American honors (NEA, Billy Evans).
Joe Bennett was a four year starter for Georgia. During his four seasons, they compiled a record of 25-9-4. Bennett was the star of the Georgia basketball team in 1922 and 1923 and would go onto a career in business, working as an executive for Coca-Cola. He was inducted in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
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