Michigan State Football: All-time Spartan team

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) scrambles out of the pocket during the 1st half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Safety(2): Brad Van Pelt

Another guy who this generation, including myself, wasn’t around for, Brad Van Pelt was an outstanding safety for the Spartans from 1970-72. He was an unusually large player for the safety position, almost giving off the look of a linebacker. Van Pelt stood 6-foot-5 and weighed 220 pounds, but could still run, jump and hit like a safety.

Van Pelt could easily be in Chandnois’ spot on this All-MSU team, but for now, he will stay here as the No. 2 safety.

Just how good was Van Pelt? Besides being named a two-time All-American and ranking fourth in MSU history with 14 interceptions and second with 268 interceptions return yards, he was also the first defensive back in college football history to win the Maxwell Award. In case you aren’t familiar with the honor, it’s given annually to the best player in college football.

Although he played during a time in which Michigan State finished no higher than third in the Big Ten and recorded no more than six wins when he was still there, Van Pelt became one of the most adored Spartans in program history. Heck, many might even consider him a top-two or three defensive player to ever come through East Lansing.

Van Pelt was selected with the No. 40 pick overall in the 1973 NFL Draft, recording 20 career interceptions and 24.5 sacks as a linebacker at the next level. He was also named to five Pro Bowls.

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