Michigan State Football: The 20 Most Beloved Figures in Team History

With the Michigan State Spartans winning their first Big Ten title in 20 years, it's fitting to compile a list of their 20 most beloved figures.

From Sparty to legendary college football coach Duffy Daugherty, Spartan football dates back to 1896.

Over 110 years of football in East Lansing come together right here.

So, to help Sparty fans everywhere get ready for the upcoming season (with increased expectations, mind you), here are the 20 best figures in team history.  

20. Frank Waters: Head Coach, 1980-1982

Although his record was a dismal 10-23 from 1980-82 while coaching for MSU, Frank Waters greatly contributed in the late '40s.

There, he played fullback from 1946-49 for Charlie Bachman and Biggie Munn.

Even though his eligibility was up after the 1949 season, Waters was part of Biggie Munn's beginning.

The Spartans' record was 19-7-2 during Biggie's first three seasons, and Frank Waters deserves his credit.

Now, the simple fact that he led Saginaw Valley State to a No. 1 ranking in the NCAA's Division II makes his college football Hall of Fame induction worth while.

19. Steve Garvey: DB, 1966-1968

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1986: Steve Garvey of the San Diego Padres heads to first base during the 1986 season. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Much like Kirk Gibson, Steve Garvey played football for Michigan State, but then went onto a very successful career in Major League Baseball.

Although he was more of a baseball player while in East Lansing, his contributions to the football program were significant.

As a freshman in 1966, he played the scout-team QB role during Notre Dame week.

That game, Sparty held Notre Dame to a season-low 10 points, and what was considered to be "The Game of the Century" ended in a tie.

I think it's safe to say the Garvey's contribution as a scout-team QB played a pivotal role in the Spartan D's success.

18. James Caan: QB, 1956

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BURBANK, CA - AUGUST 28: Actor James Caan attends the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation Golf Tournment at the Lakeside Golf Club on August 28, 2006 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Now, this may be the outlier on this list, but you can't go wrong with an Academy Award nominee.

He only played one year for Sparty, but for the MSU fans that do remember him on the team, well, that should be enough.

To see a guy with as much as he's accomplished as an actor first being a ball-player under Duffy Daugherty, it's worth noting.

AND, for those that remember the movie "The Program," Caan played a college football HC.

As you can see, Michigan State football has an influence on his career.

17. Carl Banks: LB, 1980-1983

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10 Dec 1989: Linebacker Carl Banks of the New York Giants in action during a game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Giants won the game 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Tim de Frisco /Allsport

If there was one guy who could steal the spotlight from Lawrence Taylor while playing for the New York Giants, Carl Banks was that guy.

Although he doesn't stand out by being flashy, Banks lets his pads do the talking.

Spartan fans certainly can't ever forget him, and if there's some that are also Giants fans, then chances are that Carl Banks is one of your favorite players.

16. Billy Joe Dupree: TE, 1969-1972

Definitely one of the best, if not THE best TE in Spartan history, Billy Joe Dupree earned All-American honors as a senior.

He was the main receiving target and led the Spartans with 25 receptions for 414 yards and three TDs as a junior.

Not to mention he could run-block with the best of them, thus leading him to a very successful 11-year career in the NFL.

15. Morton Anderson: K, 1978-1981

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 01: Place kicker Morten Andersen #5 of the Atlanta Falcons follows his fifth field goal of the game in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals on October 1, 2006 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the

For starters, most kickers don't get any love and get blamed for the loss if they miss a game-winning kick.

Well, Morten Anderson had a natural ability, because even though he only played one season of high school football, it was good enough for Spartan nation.

The most significant of his collegiate accomplishments are his 1981 All-American selection, but also the 63-yard field goal he made against Ohio State.

Then in the NFL, well, he was a rookie in 1982 and then retired after the 2008 season.

Almost three decades of pro football for any position is pretty ridiculous.

14. Earl Morrall: QB, 1953-1955

This is one guy who seems to be on the fence for the pro football Hall of Fame.

However, Earl Morrall's contributions to Michigan State should not go overlooked.

He was very fortunate to have played under Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty, which only made him that much better.

His senior season was his best, as he led Sparty to a 9-1 record and a W over UCLA in the 1956 Rose Bowl.

Lest we forget, he was a part of three Super Bowl championship teams, including the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

There, he filled in for the injured Bob Griese and kept the 'fins rolling by going 12-0 as the starter that year. 

13. Herb Adderley: RB/WR, 1957-1960

Here's how great of an athlete Adderley is and how much football IQ he has.

During his time with Michigan State, Adderley played WR and RB.

Then, during his first season with the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi moved him to cornerback.

The scary thing was that he was even better at CB than anywhere on offense.

For his efforts and accolades, Adderley was a 1980 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, only one of two representing the Spartans in Canton, Ohio.

12. Lorenzo White: RB, 1984-1987

George Rose/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 26: Running back Lorenzo White #44 of the Houston Oilers runs the ball against the Los Angeles Raiders during a preseason game on August 26, 1989 in Oakland, California. The Oilers won 23-21. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

If there was a window in which Spartan football was truly a running team, the Lorenzo White era was it.

He ran for a total of 4,887 yards during his tenure, where he averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

Known as "The Great White Hope in the Green and White," 1985 put him on the national stage as he become the first Big Ten RB to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.

It's a shame he played in a pass-first pass-second, maybe run-third, run-'n'-shoot offense in the pros.

Because as a true Brahma Bull, White could have done a lot more in the NFL.

11. George Perles: Head Coach, 1983-1994

Despite only having a record of 68-67-4 during his 12 year era as the Spartan HC, George Perles lead them to two conference titles and seven bowl games.

In addition to his coaching contributions (also assisted from 1959-1970), Perles played for Duffy Daugherty from 1954-56.

Another big reason for his in-conference success were his years spent as an assistant under Chuck Noll of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972-1981.

I think FOUR Super Bowl rings says a lot, don't you?

10. Brad Van Pelt: DB, 1970-1972

The most ridiculously thing about Brad Van Pelt was the he played not only football, but basketball and baseball as well.

It's rare that college athletes play two sports (regardless of era), but three?!

That's just unreal, but also deserving of some props.

In football, he was a two-time All-American and can also be put in that George Webster category of hybrid DBs that pulled double-duty as a linebacker.

His versatility alone is what made him great.

9. Charlie Bachman: Head Coach, 1933-1946

In 1937, Charlie Bachman led Michigan State to their first ever bowl game.

To add to it, Sparty was victorious over in-state rival Michigan in his first four tries.

Sparty had not beaten the Wolverines for 18 years.

His final record was 70-34-10, but it paved the way for Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty.

He was the first building block to Sparty's mid-20th Century success.

8. Kirk Gibson: WR, 1975-1978

Mike Powell/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - 1989: Kirk Gibson #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers waits for the pitch during a 1989 game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Remember the Kirk Gibson who ordered a jack from bartender Dennis Eckersley in the 1988 World Series?

Yep, this is the same guy.

Gibson was an All-American for MSU while also being playing a pivotal role in their 1978 Big Ten title team.

He set multiple receiving records and also played one year of baseball for the Spartans.

Obviously, he has a knack for sports since he chose pro baseball over football. 

7. Sparty: Mascot, 1989-Present

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EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 11: The Michigan State Spartans mascot Sparty walks on the field during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Spartan Stadium on November 11, 2006 in East Lansing, Michigan. Minnesota won 31-18. (Photo by Harry How/

How could any Spartan fan not like Sparty?

Even fans across the country recognize him as one of the more popular mascots in the country.

That said, if Sparty were to add a sword and shield to his repertoire, that would just simply be amazing.

Also, check out this article to see where Sparty ranks among college football's best mascots.

6. Mark Dantonio: Head Coach, 2007-Present

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EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium November 3, 2007 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 28-24. (Photo b

The incumbent of Michigan State's head football coach, Mark Dantonio has been in East Lansing for four years.

And, you can check off four bowl game appearances as well as 2010's Big Ten title.

Also, from 1995-2000, he was an assistant under Nick Saban.

Spartan faithful, you can only expect more from this man, because his tenacity alone can keep Michigan State atop the Big Ten.

5. Greg Jones: LB, 2007-2010

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Running back Knowshon Moreno #24 of the University of Georgia rushes around linebacker Greg Jones #53 of the Michigan State Spartans at the 2009 Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo b

A two-time All-American and 2010 team MVP, Greg Jones was the heart and soul of Michigan State football the past four seasons.

He was the backbone of the 2010 Spartans, who earned their first Big Ten championship in 20 years.

He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Let's just say NYC got a steal and now have a true leader in LB.

4. George Webster: Safety, 1964-1966

The most awesome thing about George Webster is that he was that hybrid defensive back before anyone else.

Take the likes of Steve Atwater and Sean Taylor, both 6'2" 6'3" 220-ish in weight.

Well, George Webster was 6'4" 225 lbs and played both LB and DB.

He's in the college football Hall of Fame and was also named to the American Football League's All-Time team.

Michigan State dominated during his time, and he redefined the safety position while IN COLLEGE.

Amazing. 

3. Bubba Smith: DE, 1963-1966

A two-time All-American for Michigan State in 1965 and '66, Bubba Smith is arguably the most recognizable players in school history.

He was a 1988 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame and also had his No. 95 retired from the school in 2006.

As the student section says, and his slogan goes, "Kill Bubba Kill."

2. Clarence Munn: Head Coach, 1947-1953

The man who started it all, Clarence "Biggie" Munn is the milestone in Spartan football history.

Over the course of six seasons, Munn finished with a 54-9-2 record and led Sparty to two national and their first Big Ten title.

He was the mentor to Duffy Daugherty, who then took the torch and put Spartan football on another level.

But, it all began with Biggie Munn.

1. Duffy Daugherty: Head Coach, 1954-1972

Easily the best coach in school history, Duffy Daugherty led the Spartans to two Big Ten and four national titles.

He compiled a record of 109-69-5 over 19 seasons as the longest tenured HC in MSU football history.

To enhance his reputation, prior to becoming the HC, Daugherty was an assistant under another Spartan legend, Clarence "Biggie" Munn.

And to complete the to-do list so-to-speak, Duffy was a 1984 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.