On Monday, we unveiled our all-time Michigan State football offensive roster. Today, we take a look at the Spartans on our all-time defensive roster.
On Friday, we will look at coaches and special teams.
You can take a look at the defense below.
Check out our other College Wire all-time defenses: Alabama / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Nebraska / North Carolina / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC
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Starting DE1: Larry Bethea
Still the program career sack leader with 33, and single season sack leader with 16 in 1977. 2x 1st team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten MVP in that ‘77 season.
We are Larry Bethea days away from MSU football! pic.twitter.com/3ljN7pCt7h
— StandingRoomSpartans (@StandingRoomMSU) June 7, 2021
In 1977, Bethea was the first defensive player to win the Big Ten MVP award since Dick Butkus in 1963.
Backup DE1: Robaire Smith
Robaire Smith recorded 22 sacks in his career to go along with 191 tackles.
Starting DE2: Julian Peterson
To put Peterson’s dominance in perspective, in just two seasons, he held the tackles for loss record at MSU until Kenny Willekes broke it a few years ago.
Backup DE2: Shilique Calhoun
Shilique Calhoun was named First-team All-Big Ten for three straight seasons and was the Big Ten’s D-lineman of the year in 2013.
Starting DT1: Bubba Smith
Bubba Smith is one of the most iconic Spartans, and football players in general, of all time.
Backup DT1: Domata Peko
Domata Peko transferred to MSU from the College of the Canyons and emerged as a strong NFL talent under the John L. Smith years at MSU.
Starting DT2: Jerel Worthy
The Mark Dantonio years were surprisingly light on defensive tackle talents, but Jerel Worthy was a monster in the trenches.
Backup DT2: Malik McDowell
While his story became a sad one, Malik McDowell’s time at MSU was special and led to him leaving early for the NFL.
Starting LB1: Percy Snow
Percy Snow is easily the best MSU defender of the 1980’s, and was a two-time All-American.
Bacukup LB1: Max Bullough
Bullough was the heart, mind, and soul of the greatest MSU defense of the modern era.
Starting LB2: Dan Bass
Dan Bass still holds the record for the most career tackles in MSU history with 541, almost 100 more than second place.
Backup DE2: Greg Jones
Greg Jones is third on the list of career tackles for MSU and he was an absolute monster, using his mobility to wreck offenses all over the field from 2007-10.
Starting LB3: Carl Banks
Here’s a fun fact, Carl Banks was the first non kicker from MSU to be named first team All-Big Ten three times.
Backup LB3: Charlie Thornhill
Not the same without you dad, 11 years years ago god called you into heaven. I remember resting your head on the pillow for your last breath, but know your spirit is still alive and well….until we meet again I’m going to continue to write your unwritten chapters…..#Legacy pic.twitter.com/8KXuGrz6Za
— Kaleb Thornhill (PAC) (@KT_PlayerEngage) December 21, 2017
George Blaha once said that Charlie Thornhill was one of the two hardest hitters he has ever seen in MSU history.
Starting CB1: Herb Adderley
Herb Adderley was known as a halfback at MSU, but I’m still putting him here considering he had one of the best pro careers from an MSU alum ever.
Backup CB1: Sherman Lewis
This is another cheap one, because Sherm Lewis was also known as a halfback more than a DB, but he was one of the most talented Spartans ever and deserves to be somewhere on this list.
Starting CB2: Darqueze Dennard
How good was Darqueze Dennard? Graham Couch of the LSJ has him ranked as the No. 3 best player in MSU history. He was that amazing as the leader of the No Fly Zone.
Backup CB2: Trae Waynes
Dennard’s running mate in the No Fly Zone, Trae Waynes broke out in his own right as one of the best corners in MSU history.
Starting S1: George Webster
Webster is one of the greatest players in college football history. Enough said.
Backup S1: Lynn Chandnois
• Born on this date in 1925 was @MSU_Football Hall of Famer Lynn Chandnois. He died in 2011 at the age of 86. pic.twitter.com/vGj3x14e1g
— Mike Pearson (@Spartifacts2022) February 25, 2022
Chandnois is another guy who played multiple positions exceptionally well, and he was an all-American at both RB and defensive back.
Starting S2: Brad Van Pelt
Brad Van Pelt won the Maxwell Award, given to the best player in football, as a defensive back, which is a daunting feat.
Backup S2: Kurtis Drummond
Drummond was a first team All-American under Dantonio who was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year back in 2014.
