Michael Bennett

Classroom

Michael Bennett, a senior co-captain for the Buckeyes in 2014, is an OSU scholar-athlete majoring in Family Resource Management.

Character

Bennett, a Centerville, Ohio, native, is an outstanding young man, a force as an interior defensive lineman and a thoughtful, team-leader off the field. He is the son of parents who each graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Bennett is a true senior who has played in 34 games and has started 14 times entering his senior season. For his efforts, Bennett was named one of five captains for the 2014 season.

Community

Bennett goes above and beyond in the community, participating in a variety of community service projects. In the past year, Bennett and his teammates have volunteered their time at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and paid a visit to campers at King Arts Complex in Columbus, reading, playing and interacting with local kids. Bennett also attended the Columbus Special Olympics, taking part in the opening ceremonies and cheering kids on during competition. Last summer, Bennett and his teammates helped rebuild the playgrounds at Graham Expeditionary Middle School in Columbus and also visited sick kids at Columbus Children’s Hospital.

Competition

Bennett has recorded 70 career tackles, including 17.5 tackles-for-loss for 90 yards and also has a team-high 11 quarterback sacks entering the 2014 season. Last season, Bennett had his best statistical year with 42 tackles, 11.5 TFL, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as the Buckeyes went 12-2, won the Big Ten East Division for the second consecutive year and earned a berth in the Discover Orange Bowl. One of seven returning starters on defense, Bennett helped Ohio State’s defense rank 9th in the NCAA in rush defense.