1) Running Back LeVeon Bell
The 2-star recruit is the poster player for under-valued prospects by both recruiting services and college coaches. If it was not for the fact that he was a mid-year enroll player the Spartans may have not taken him. Bell was an instant impact player at Michigan State. SpartanMag.com subscribers knew something was up when he was selected over players like Edwin Baker and Larry Caper in the team draft for the green and white game after only being on campus for 2 months
2) Quarterback Connor Cook
The 3-star prospect is still in East Lansing and should end up holding a plethora of records before being an early round draft choice. The Spartans identified Cook early on in the process and he made an early commitment to Coach Dantonio. The Ohio product never got much attention from the Buckeyes as they would eventually opt for Cardale Jones, though he had to go to a prep school for a year to become eligible.
3) Linebacker Greg Jones
Jones was a member of Dantonio's class and made an impact the moment he stored on campus. The Spartans should probably thank the University of Minnesota for firing of Coach Ron Mason and allowing the Spartans to secure his signature. The 2x All-American Jones was a tackling machine when the Spartans needed it. His ability to run and pass blitz allowed Pat Narduzzi to begin to take the defense to the next level.
4) Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy
Worthy is the poster boy for Michigan State returning to defensive prominence. His play his junior sophomore and junior seasons was critical for getting the Spartan to an elite level as a program. He was a consensus first team All-American after his junior season and headed to the NFL. He also has the distinction of having the coolest tattoo in Spartan history.
5) Wide receiver BJ Cunningham
Cunningham had an outstanding career as evidenced by the fact that he left East Lansing holding numerous records including most receptions and receiving yards. With that said some of Cunningham’s numbers are the benefit of red-shirting and then playing four seasons. What was most impressive about Cunningham was he elevated his level of play every season while in East Lansing which culminated in a tremendous senior year.
6) Linebacker Denicos Allen
When it can to making big plays nobody has done it better during the Dantonio era than Allen. He always played his best against the Buckeyes and two lasting memories are his diving sack of Braxton Miller and his 4th down stoppage of him during the Big Ten Championship game.
7) Safety Kurtis Drummond
Drummond was a 3-year starter in the secondary and an All-American performer. Though he received more accolades for his senior season, I believe he was at his best the year before when he was able to play alongside Isaiah Lewis. Drummond had a knack for making interception, leading the team in both his junior and senior seasons.
8) Cornerback Chris L Rucker
Rucker began the run of outstanding cornerback play under Coach Dantonio. He was a key member of Dantonio's forst class and st 6-foot-2, 200-pounds he set the standard what Michigan State wants form cornerbacks. The Spartans like big, physical corners who tackle well. Rucker was a 3X All Big Ten honoree.
9) Defensive end Marcus Rush
Rush is possibly the most undervalued player of the Dantonio era. Rush started every game at Michigan State and is the all-time winningest position player in Spartan history. His durability and productivity cannot be under overlooked.
10) Punter Aaron Bates
I went with Bates as my last choice due to everything he brought to the program. He was an outstanding punter, holder and student. He will live in Spartan infamy for his passing record of being 3 for 3 with touchdown pass to Charlie Gantt in overtime to beat Notre Dame. Not to mention he was voted a captain as a punter!
The 2-star recruit is the poster player for under-valued prospects by both recruiting services and college coaches. If it was not for the fact that he was a mid-year enroll player the Spartans may have not taken him. Bell was an instant impact player at Michigan State. SpartanMag.com subscribers knew something was up when he was selected over players like Edwin Baker and Larry Caper in the team draft for the green and white game after only being on campus for 2 months
2) Quarterback Connor Cook
The 3-star prospect is still in East Lansing and should end up holding a plethora of records before being an early round draft choice. The Spartans identified Cook early on in the process and he made an early commitment to Coach Dantonio. The Ohio product never got much attention from the Buckeyes as they would eventually opt for Cardale Jones, though he had to go to a prep school for a year to become eligible.
3) Linebacker Greg Jones
Jones was a member of Dantonio's class and made an impact the moment he stored on campus. The Spartans should probably thank the University of Minnesota for firing of Coach Ron Mason and allowing the Spartans to secure his signature. The 2x All-American Jones was a tackling machine when the Spartans needed it. His ability to run and pass blitz allowed Pat Narduzzi to begin to take the defense to the next level.
4) Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy
Worthy is the poster boy for Michigan State returning to defensive prominence. His play his junior sophomore and junior seasons was critical for getting the Spartan to an elite level as a program. He was a consensus first team All-American after his junior season and headed to the NFL. He also has the distinction of having the coolest tattoo in Spartan history.
5) Wide receiver BJ Cunningham
Cunningham had an outstanding career as evidenced by the fact that he left East Lansing holding numerous records including most receptions and receiving yards. With that said some of Cunningham’s numbers are the benefit of red-shirting and then playing four seasons. What was most impressive about Cunningham was he elevated his level of play every season while in East Lansing which culminated in a tremendous senior year.
6) Linebacker Denicos Allen
When it can to making big plays nobody has done it better during the Dantonio era than Allen. He always played his best against the Buckeyes and two lasting memories are his diving sack of Braxton Miller and his 4th down stoppage of him during the Big Ten Championship game.
7) Safety Kurtis Drummond
Drummond was a 3-year starter in the secondary and an All-American performer. Though he received more accolades for his senior season, I believe he was at his best the year before when he was able to play alongside Isaiah Lewis. Drummond had a knack for making interception, leading the team in both his junior and senior seasons.
8) Cornerback Chris L Rucker
Rucker began the run of outstanding cornerback play under Coach Dantonio. He was a key member of Dantonio's forst class and st 6-foot-2, 200-pounds he set the standard what Michigan State wants form cornerbacks. The Spartans like big, physical corners who tackle well. Rucker was a 3X All Big Ten honoree.
9) Defensive end Marcus Rush
Rush is possibly the most undervalued player of the Dantonio era. Rush started every game at Michigan State and is the all-time winningest position player in Spartan history. His durability and productivity cannot be under overlooked.
10) Punter Aaron Bates
I went with Bates as my last choice due to everything he brought to the program. He was an outstanding punter, holder and student. He will live in Spartan infamy for his passing record of being 3 for 3 with touchdown pass to Charlie Gantt in overtime to beat Notre Dame. Not to mention he was voted a captain as a punter!
