Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time
7. Javon Ringer
Javon Ringer was that running back who everyone would have paid big money to see. Starting his career in East Lansing during the end of the John L. Smith era, Ringer didn’t really break out until Mark Dantonio came to town in 2007 for his final two seasons.
However, as a freshman, he rushed for 817 yards and five touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry, but his carries were limited the next season as he had just over 400 yards and one score.
When Dantonio got to town in 2007, he gave Ringer the playing time he needed to become an All-American by the 2008 season. As a junior, Ringer finished with 1,447 yards and six touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 295 yards. He really proved himself as one of the greatest running backs in the country and was well on his way to being the second-best in school history.
During his All-American season as a senior, Ringer had 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns while catching 28 passes for 190 yards. The first-team All-Big Ten selection was one of the strongest backs out there and he was known for working out like crazy.
Despite all of his success at Michigan State, he finished second in career rushing yards with just over 4,300 and fifth in touchdowns with 34.
Next: 6. Tony Mandarich