Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans mascot Sparty during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

12. Brad Van Pelt

Michigan State has been known for sending defensive backs to the NFL in recent years, but before the Darqueze Dennard, Trae Waynes, Isaiah Lewis and Kurtis Drummond era with the “No Fly Zone”, the Spartans had a guy by the name of Brad Van Pelt who was considered one of the best defensive backs of his time from 1970-72.

Named to the 1971 and 1972 All-American teams, Van Pelt made a name for himself with his unlikely athletic play for a 6-foot-5, 220-pound safety. He was bigger than basically everyone who tried to run routes past him and stronger than most running backs. He was feared by quarterbacks and receivers, alike.

No one wanted to throw in his direction because he was a ball-hawk, intercepting 14 passes during his three-year career and finishing with the second-most interception return yards in school history (268).

Just how good was Van Pelt? Well, he was the first defensive back honored with the Maxwell Award, given to college football’s best overall player. That was quite an honor back then, just as it would be nowadays.

Van Pelt also had a successful NFL career, finishing with five Pro Bowl selections after being drafted in the second round back in 1973. He is also one of very few members in the 20/20 club with 24.5 sacks and 20 career interceptions at the professional level.

Next: 11. Andre Rison