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45 The Heat is On: Heat Illness / National Emphasis Program
BY ANNA RUTH RIGGINS
IMAGE DEAN LEGGE
THE GRAND FINALE
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The line to see Stetson Bennett was out the door. Fans from across the state gathered to see a slew of stars that have worn Silver Britches, but no one got more attention than Bennett.
It wasn’t that long ago that the national championship-winning quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs came out of nowhere. From walk-on to junior college starter to UGA starter to backup and back to starter at UGA again - Bennett has one of the most unique stories in college football history.
Now the so-called Mailman is getting ready to deliver once more in the final year of his college football career. The Blackshear native said he’s gotten close to a tight group of friends that he trusts, and who keep him in check even after the wild ride of the last few years.
But after a season with nearly 3,000 yards, 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions, an Orange Bowl MVP and a national title, Bennett hasn’t been treated the same way. He’s become the most unexpected rock star that college football has had in some time. Still, even Bennett himself is a fan at times.
“It is so neat to have generations of Georgia football players at this event,” Bennett said after wrapping up a meet and greet with fans who came to see Jake Fromm, Buck Belue and Lindsay Scott. “Just to be associated with them is really cool, especially with people like Lindsey Scott who is from down south like I am.”
Scott is still known for being on the receiving end of the most famous play in Georgia history. That play changed Georgia forever. While not quite as dramatic, Bennett’s connection with AD Mitchell in the College Football Playo National Championship Game did the same for the Dawgs - putting them on top for good in that decisive game.
Mitchell and Bennett drove together to the fan event over the summer, and the quarterback said the two of them can’t wait to make more memories this fall.
