Ranking the top ten running backs in Michigan State football history
No matter the era, Michigan State has had star running backs, with every decade showcasing a different star in the backfields for Michigan State.
Recently, Spartans Wire ranked the top ten quarterbacks in Michigan State history, and now, it is the running backs turn to be ranked as a top ten.
With ranking running backs, it is certainly an interesting blend of team success, personal success and longevity in a Michigan State uniform, with all three factors playing a role in the final decision making process.
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10. Clinton Jones (1964-1966)
It is hard to put a two time national champion at No. 10, but that shows how spectacular the list is. Jones was an integral part of the Spartans national titles in 1965 and 1966, but ultimately only ended his career with 1,922 yards and 20 TDs.
Final stats: 395 att.,1,922 yards, 20 TDs. 33 receptions, 408 yards, 3 TDs.
9. T.J. Duckett (1999-2001)
While many know this era as the Jeff Smoker-Charles Rogers era, Duckett was a massive beneficiary of the offense being played in East Lansing. While only in the green and white for three seasons, Duckett was a successful runner at MSU before a successful NFL career.
Final stats: 580 att., 3,118 yards, 27 TDs. 21 rec., 142 yards, 1 TD.
8. Blake Ezor (1986-1989)
Ezor is a running back that gets lost in Michigan State history. Being the No. 2 behind Lorenzo White, Ezor was apart of the 1987 Rose Bowl winning team in East Lansing. Ezor was very solid in his MSU career and ranks No. 5 in rushing yards.
Final stats: 715 att., 3,399 yards, 30 TDs.
7. Kenneth Walker (2021)
Walker may be one of the hardest players to rank on this list. He very well could be No. 1 on pure talent, but only having one season in an MSU uniform makes the debate very heavy in this regard. Walker's one season was monumental, but ultimately, it falls just short of the top five. There is no doubt that if he had multiple years in the green and white, he would be much higher.
Final stats: 263 att., 1,636 yards, 18 TDs.
6. Le'Veon Bell (2010-2012)
One of the best recruiting and development wins in the Mark Dantonio era, Bell was an absolute stud in the green and white. Winning a Big Ten title in 2010, Bell had an amazing 2012 season that had almost 1,800 yards of rushing. If Bell had stayed for his senior season, it is crazy to think what the offense could have looked like, despite it already winning a Big Ten and Rose Bowl title.
Final stats: 671 att., 3,346 yards, 33 TDs. 78 rec. 531 yards, 1 TD.
5. Tico Duckett (1989-1992)
Following White and Ezor's tenure the Spartans were blessed with Duckett as the next running back in line. One of three players that have over 4,000 yards in his Michigan State career. Ultimately, team success (or lack thereof), moves him down the list, but his personal stats keep him in a very favorable spot.
Final stats: 824 att., 4,176 yards, 26 TDs.
4. Jeremy Langford (2011-2014)
It is crazy to think what could have been if Langford had spent all four years as a running back in East Lansing, instead of spending the first two years as a defensive back. All of Langford's damage on the ground came in two years of work, both being phenomenal statistical seasons, leading the Spartans to a Rose Bowl, a Big Ten title and a Cotton Bowl title, all while having a 23-3 record.
Final stats: 577 att., 2,967 yards, 40 TDs. 39 rec. 219 yards, 1 TD.
3. Sedrick Irvin (1996-1998)
Irvin is a polarizing figure in Michigan State history, while being a stud in Nick Saban's backfield, he rushed for over a thousand yards in all three seasons he spent in the green and white. Had Irvin stayed for his senior year, he may lead MSU's history in rushing, while propelling the Spartans to an even better 1999.
Final stats: 731 att., 3,414 yards, 35 TDs. 105 rec., 886 yards, 6 TDs.
2. Javon Ringer (2005-2008)
The No. 2 all time rusher in MSU's history, Ringer was one of the springboard players to build the foundation of the Dantonio era. A workhorse that carried the MSU offense, Ringer's amazing MSU career was crowned in 2008 with being named as a consensus All-American.
Final stats: 843 att., 4,398 yards, 34 TDs. 96 rec., 719 yards, 1 TD.
1. Lorenzo White (1984-1987)
The leading rusher in Michigan State history, White is a two-time All-American while also finishing fourth in the Heisman voting twice. Honestly, with all the accomplishments that White had, they could have been even better if it weren't for a disappointing year in 1986. White's incredible tenure was highlighted with the 1987 Rose Bowl victory.
Final stats: 991 att., 4513 yards, 41 TDs.
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