Top-10 Sack Leaders in Michigan State Football History
Spartan Nation has given readers tons of Michigan State football history from an offensive point of view, and now it's time we switch gears.
Michigan State is all about physical and mental toughness – their program is built on the backs of gritty football players.
It's always started with the defense in East Lansing, especially under former head coach Mark Dantonio and in return, the Spartans developed some impressive pass rushers.
None have been better than Larry Bethea.
More than four decades later, he still holds the record for the most sacks in school history and the single-season sack record.
Bethea began his career in East Lansing as a tight end but was converted into a defensive tackle as a sophomore.
He totaled 90 tackles (45 solo, 45 assisted) in his final season, including 18 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.
Top-10 Sack Leaders in MSU Football History
| Player Name | Years at MSU | Career Sacks |
|---|---|---|
Larry Bethea | 1974-1977 | 33.0 |
Shilique Calhoun | 2011-2015 | 27.0 |
Kenny Willekes | 2015-2019 | 26.0 |
Julian Peterson | 1998-1999 | 25.0 |
Travis Davis | 1986-1989 | 24.0 |
Kelly Quinn | 1981-1985 | 24.0 |
Robaire Smith | 1997-1999 | 22.0 |
Denicos Allen | 2009-2013 | 19.5 |
Marcus Rush | 2009-2014 | 18.5 |
Greg Jones | 2007-2010 | 16.5 |
Former Spartan Julian Peterson nearly tied Bethea's single-season sack record in 1999 but came up one short with 15.0.
Single-Season Sack Leaders at Michigan State
| Player Name | Sacks | Year |
|---|---|---|
Larry Bethea | 16.0 | 1977 |
Julian Peterson | 15.0 | 1999 |
Robaire Smith | 12.0 | 1997 |
Travis Davis | 12.0 | 1987 |
Kelly Quinn | 12.0 | 1984 |
Denicos Allen | 11.0 | 2011 |
Shilique Calhoun | 10.5 | 2015 |
Kenny Willekes | 10.5 | 2019 |
Jonal Saint-Dic | 10.0 | 2007 |
Greg Taplin | 10.0 | 2003 |
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