Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time
32. Sedrick Irvin
There have been plenty of solid Michigan State running backs over the years, but none get overlooked quite as much as Sedrick Irvin who played from 1996-98 in the Nick Saban era. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in all three collegiate seasons, finishing his career fifth in rushing yards with 3,504.
Although the Spartans had at least six wins in each of his three seasons in East Lansing, Irvin never really got the national attention he deserved as Michigan State only made it to one bowl game during that time and he was considered far too slow to make it at the next level, dropping to the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
Irvin’s career yards per carry average (4.6) was not necessarily ideal, but the Spartans had benefited from his workhorse-like play as he ranks fifth all time in carries. His 35 rushing touchdowns are also good for fourth in MSU history and he could be one of the more forgotten backs despite being one of the most elusive backs to play for the Spartans.
Leaving after his junior season, Irvin could have broken the school record for rushing attempts, touchdowns and rushing yards had he stayed for his final year. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1999 but played sparingly over a few seasons.
Next: 31. Lynn Chandnois