In Bennett's defense, he is poised to shatter nearly every SEC receiving mark as a Junior in this upcoming season. He followed up a Freshman All-American true freshman season with an All-SEC sophomore season, and will only get better with Nickson having a year of experience under his belt.
Early Doucet's stats last year: 59 receptions, 772 yards, 13.1 yard average, 8 touchdowns Earl Bennet's stats last year: 82 receptions, 1146 yards, 14.0 yard average, 6 touchdowns (and that's with a RUNNING quarterback making his throws) Marcus Monk's stats last year: 50 receptions, 962 yards, 19.2 yard average, 11 touchdowns You can make an argument about Monk, but I don't think there's an argument at this point that Doucet is the better receiver. Bennett has more receptions, more yards, more yards per reception, and almost as many touchdowns. That might be a product of Doucet sharing the ball with two other very good receivers last year, but you can also say that Earl Bennett didn't have a great thrower getting him the ball.
Two first round draft picks. I would call that great receiving. And he still managed to put up decent numbers.
Earl Bennet did not have a consistent QB throwing him the ball. I have Vandy season tickets and attended all the games. The QB should be much better this year and might have a great year. He has the talent and experience now. Bennet may be the top receiver this year since he won't be sharing the ball much.
There most certainly is an argument. #9 had to share the ball with 2 first round draft picks, catching 65 and 56 balls last year. What did Earl Bennett's teammates do? This is like saying Tim Couch was a better QB than Jamarcus Russell because he threw for more yards.