Albert Benbrook

Bio

All-American teams at the turn of the century had a decided eastern bias. It was a rare occurrence when any player from the midwest was chosen on an All-America team. A testament to the ability of Albert Benbrook was that he was the first western linemen to become a two-time All-America. Weighing 240 pounds he was considered huge for his time. What made Benbrook such a dominating force was his exceptional quickness. During his first two seasons at Michigan, the Wolverines won 11 games, lost three and tied one. The 1909 team was 6-1 losing only to Notre Dame. In his 1910 senior season, he led a Michigan defense that allowed only nine points. As captain of the team he played in a memorable contest against Minnesota in his final collegiate game. Michigan made use of the liberalized forward passing rules implemented in 1906 to defeat the Gophers. A forward pass took Michigan to the Minnesota three-yard line in the late stages of a scoreless contest. After two unsuccessful runs into the line, Benbrook ordered that the next play be run over his side. Pushing Minnesota tacklers aside he opened a hole that led to a touchdown and a 6-0 victory.

Career Highlights

• 1910 Consensus All-America
• 1909 Consensus All-America