BRUCE BENNETT

Bruce Bennett starred at Valdosta High and quarterbacked the winningest-program in the nation to a state championship in 1961 under legendary coach Wright Bazemore. Bennett transferred to safety at Florida where he became an All-SEC selection as a junior and senior. He was a Second-Team All-American in 1964 and First-Team All-American in 1965. Bennett's most famous game with the Gators came during the 1963 season when he intercepted Georgia quarterback Larry Rakestraw three times in Florida's 21-14 win. After college he went undrafted, and opted for a career in the Canadian Football League. He signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and in his first season, the team won its first Grey Cup. Bennett became a standout safety, earning All-CFL honors six times in his career from 1966-72. He is third on the Roughriders' all-time list in interceptions (35) and interception-return yards (606). He had a career-high eight interceptions in 1969 and 1971. On Aug. 27, 1972, against the visiting Calgary Stampeders, Bennett recorded the longest interception return in Roughriders history (112 yards). Bennett's illustrious career earned him a spot in the Florida Athletics Hall of Fame, the Valdosta High Hall of Fame and the Roughriders Plaza of Honor. He coached high school football after his playing career and returned to Florida where he served in UCF’s athletic department for a decade.