Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) and Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) make the tackle in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

15. Danny Bass

Danny Bass was a tackling machine while with the Spartans from 1976-79, recording a school record 541 career tackles, 68 more than the next closest player on the list (Percy Snow). The linebacker happens to be one of the best in school history and no one mentions his name despite the Spartans having two one-loss Big Ten seasons during his time in East Lansing.

Besides leading Michigan State in tackles all time, Bass has had some incredible single-game and single-play performances.

In a 1979 contest against Ohio State, the then-senior linebacker recorded a historic 32 tackles, a mark that will likely never be touched throughout time. He really set the tone for Michigan State linebackers and his numbers are more than what you would see in a video game on “rookie”.

Another instance of his fantastic all-over-the-field play was a 99-yard interception return against Wisconsin in 1978. He led Michigan State in tackles, obviously, throughout each of his four seasons with the Spartans, an incredible stat.

After Michigan State, he went undrafted, but went on to play 11 seasons in the Canadian Football League and was inducted to the CFL Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the greatest Canadian Football players of all time, as well as one of the greatest Spartan players.

Next: 14. Gene Washington