All-time Michigan State football defensive starters from Mark Dantonio era

Linebacker 3: Denicos Allen

My last pick for the linebacker group is another that was around during some of the better years under Dantonio. Denicos Allen was a standout linebacker from 2010-2013 and was a key piece on the Rose Bowl winning team.

Allen was a three year starter and also ended his career starting an impressive 40 straight games. During his career he racked up 278 tackles with 46 resulting in a loss. Those 46 tackles for loss were good enough to finish third all time in Michigan State history. Allen also finished sixth all time in sacks with 19.5.

Allen was also a three-time All-Big Ten selection, making the second team twice in 2011 and 2013 and even made an All-American team as a senior.

There really weren’t many better leaders on the defense than Allen during Dantonio’s era. He was someone who both led by example and vocally as well, so that fact along with his on field abilities make him a must have on my all time team from Dantonio’s era.