Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darqueze Dennard (31) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

9. Darqueze Dennard

It was tough not to rank Darqueze Dennard higher on this list, but the top 10 players in Michigan State are arguably all interchangeable up until the top two of three spots. Dennard is considered the best cornerback, or even defensive back, in Michigan State history, getting selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Dennard, a former two-star recruit out of high school, exceeded all expectations and went from unknown prospect out of Twiggs County, Georgia, to college superstar who will eventually be a solid starter at the professional level when he’s given the shot with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Part of the greatest period of Michigan State football in school history, Dennard will always be known as the leader of the defense who created the “No Fly Zone” which was the Spartan secondary’s nickname for the better part of two seasons.

Darqueze intercepted three passes in each of his final three seasons at Michigan State while finishing with 165 career tackles and 26 pass deflections.

Known for his physical play and sticky coverage, Dennard was named the top defensive back in the country in 2013 with the Jim Thorpe Award. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2012 and 2013 and also an All-American as a senior. He helped the Spartans win two Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl and rack up a 42-12 record during his time.

Next: 8. Don Coleman