Running back, 1996-98, Miami, Fla.
The skinny: In Nick Saban’s second year as MSU’s coach, Swervin’ Sedrick Irvin brought swagger and immediate production to a program that needed it. He scored four touchdowns in his first game and 16 in his freshman season, and rushed for more than 1,000 yards in all three of his seasons at MSU, sometimes juking defenders twice to make up for average speed. Irvin also caught 108 passes as a Spartan — 40 in both his freshman and sophomore seasons — and remains perhaps the best receiving tailback ever to play in East Lansing. Statistically, he is.
Irvin’s 3,504 career rushing yards are fifth most in MSU history, behind Lorenzo White, Javon Ringer, Tico Duckett and Blake Ezor — all four-year backs. Had Irvin stuck around for his senior season, he might be the Spartans’ all-time leading rusher. Irvin’s 42 career touchdowns, rushing, receiving and punt returns combined, are second only to White (43).
