Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) walks off the field during the 1st half of a game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

41. Jack Conklin

Jack Conklin is another one of those players under Mark Dantonio who was lightly recruited but yet might be his best offensive lineman. He has started for the past three seasons and looks to be the best offensive tackle prospect from Michigan State since maybe even Tony Mandarich — but with not quite the same amount of hype.

According to the CBS draft scouting report, he is an exciting prospect with a ton of potential:

"Despite being the son of a former Michigan offensive lineman and high school head coach, Conklin went criminally under-recruited, receiving only one scholarship offer, but from Division-II Wayne State. He planned to play the 2012 season at Fork Union Military School until Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio took another look at Conklin’s tape, inviting him to walk on with the promise that he would go on scholarship in 2013. After redshirting in 2012 in East Lansing, Conklin established himself as the starting left tackle quickly as a redshirt freshman and has been a model of consistency, starting 26 games the past two seasons."

The report also said this about his strengths:

"Conklin is well-built with excellent core strength, using his powerful upper body and center of gravity to be a mauler in the run game. He lines up with a firm anchor and rarely plays in reverse with quick eyes and smarts to pick up extra blockers. Very quick-minded and never takes a play off."

Considered an early-first round pick if he leaves after his junior season this year or even after his senior season next, he’s one of the biggest over-achievers in school history.

Next: 40. Charlie Thornhill