Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) runs for yards after a catch against the Michigan Wolverines during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

48. Aaron Burbridge

Aaron Burbridge really came out of nowhere in 2015 to take the reigns as Michigan State’s best receiver and even earning Big Ten receiver of the year honors — the second such Spartan to do so in as many years.

After losing Tony Lippett to the NFL, Burbridge knew he would need to put up better numbers than his usual 300 yards and 30 catches each season in order for Michigan State to succeed offensively, and he stepped up big time. He currently has 80 catches for 1,219 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior and could potentially reach the 100-catch mark if all goes well in the final two games of the year.

Many argue that he’s a better receiver than Lippett was, but it’s so difficult to tell even though Burbridge might be a little more athletic than his predecessor.

Through his first three seasons, the former four-star high school recruit was considered a bit of a disappointment as he had 80 catches for just over 900 yards and only three touchdowns, but he has put together a mammoth season to topple those numbers and rise up the ranks as one of MSU’s greatest receivers.

In fact, Burbridge is second all-time in receptions at Michigan State, surprisingly, with 160, passing Lippett’s 149 which is good for third place. He is also one receiving yard away from moving into eighth place in school history with the potential to move into fourth place, realistically, before the season is done.

Next: 47. Tony Lippett