Michigan State Football: All-time Spartan team
Offensive Lineman(1): Tony Mandarich
Luckily this list is based on college careers and not pro careers because many believe former Michigan State offensive tackle Tony Mandarich is the biggest NFL Draft bust in league history. He was selected No. 2 overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, but failed to live up to expectations in the league. Mandarich was widely considered the best offensive line prospect ever, but he fell flat.
At Michigan State, he was feared by opponents. No defensive lineman wanted to go up against the 6-foot-6, 330-pound left tackle who wasn’t afraid of anyone and who helped lead the 1987 Spartans to a Rose Bowl victory — he was a large reason for Lorenzo White’s running success that year.
Recruited by Nick Saban, Mandarich was a quirky guy who definitely lived out his Michigan State career as a partier. He was known for being out there, but his play on the field made up for his antics off of it.
Mandarich was the most successful Michigan State lineman of all-time, however. He finished his career as an Outland Trophy finalist, a two-time Big Ten Lineman of the Year and an All-American. He was chosen No. 2 overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers — one spot ahead of legendary running back Barry Sanders.
It’s too bad his college success couldn’t translate to the big boy league.
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