Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) and Michigan State Spartans running back Gerald Holmes (24) and Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) celebrate a touchdown during the 2nd half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

31. Lynn Chandnois

Playing back in the 1940s, Lynn Chandnois’ numbers might not seem that impressive, but he has records that have stood the test of time. He was an All-American as both a defensive back and halfback during his time with Michigan State, but even during a time when the pass game wasn’t a major part of offenses, Chandnois racked up interceptions like it was going out of style.

It’s rare to see players excel on both sides of the ball, but Chandnois did just that, especially as a senior in 1949, recording 885 yards on 129 carries as a senior while also intercepting seven passes.

Chandnois was an athlete and it was proven with his defensive play as he showed off running back abilities after picking off passes, leading MSU all time in return yards with 410. Not only did he have success returning the ball a long way after intercepting it, but he also picked off an incredible 20 passes during his four years, ranking first all time.

One of the few members on this list from the pre-Big Ten era, Chandnois’ overall play has to be some of the most impressive at Michigan State. Not many other players can say they excelled on both sides of the ball as he also ranks 17th in MSU history in rushing yards (2,103) and ninth in rushing scores (28).

Next: 30. Jeremy Langford