University of South Alabama Athletics

Jaguar Highlights: Expected to see plenty of time at tight end, where he is one of two returning starters at the position.

As A Junior (2010): Played in nine of 10 games, earning seven starts ... Caught nine passes for 109 yards and a score, tying for sixth on the team in receptions ... Efforts blocking helped USA average more than 230 yards per game rushing and nearly six yards per carry ... Earned the “War Daddy” coaches’ award on four occasions, including following each of the team’s last two victories ... 30-yard reception in season-opening win over Pikeville (Ky.) was the longest of his career ... Would catch one pass in each of the first four contests, ending the streak with his first career touchdown on a 19-yard reception in Kentucky Wesleyan victory ... Matched a personal best with two catches against both Lamar and Arkansas-Monticello in the season finale ... Also had a six-yard reception in Homecoming win over Henderson (Ark.) State.

As A Sophomore (2009): Earned the Shirley Holt Scholarship Award, which is presented to the USA student-athlete who has exemplified “Team Spirit” and shown great character and concern for his or her fellow student-athletes ... Also made the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List ... One of four players voted team captain following the season ... Started six of the Jaguars’ seven contests ... Tied for second on the team with six receptions, finishing with 79 yards — an average of 13.2 yards per catch ... Also credited with one tackle ... Had two catches for 21 yards in USA’s first-ever game, a win over Hargrave (Va.) MIlitary Academy ... Had 17-yard reception in Army Prep win as well as a catch for eight yards in victory over Georgia Military J.C. the following game ... Grabbed season-long 21-yard catch in victory over Louisburg (N.C.) J.C. ... Caught pass for gain of 12 yards in season finale against Huntingdon (Ala.) College.

UAB Highlights (2007): Played for the Blazers as a true freshman in 2007, mostly on special teams units, recording three solo stops including a sack for a loss of 11 yards.

High School Highlights: Attended Thompson High School just south of Birmingham ... Earned first-team all-region and all-Shelby County recognition, and honorable mention all-state honors ... As a senior, totaled 127 tackles with 12 sacks and 33 tackles for loss ... Also caused seven fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries ... Returned an interception for a touchdown ... Was team captain as senior, helping the Warriors to a first-round victory in the state 6A playoffs ... Attended Bessemer Academy the previous three years, where he was part of a Rebel squad that won the 2004 state title while reaching the championship game the following fall and the semifinals in ’03 ... Was member of baseball and track and field teams at Bessemer, competing in track and field at THS ... A member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club.

Personal: Full name is Paul Michael Bennett... Born Feb. 28, 1989, in Parkersburg, W.Va. ... Son of Larry and Julia Bennett ... Father played semi-pro baseball for six years ... Older brother, Jeff, played football at Samford from 2004-06 ... Favorite athlete is former Pittsburgh Steeler and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert ... Hobbies include cliff diving ... Would like to be a doctor … An exercise science major.