Mike Henne chimes in with another guest column!

Spartan Warriors By Michael Henne Because this last week was tougher than usual for those of us in green and white, I picked a topic off the usual beat and

Spartan Warriors

By Michael Henne

Because this last week was tougher than usual for those of us in green and white, I picked a topic off the usual beat and path to give everyone in the Spartan Nation a little “feel good.” Please be mindful as you read this that I was not born until 1973. Therefore, I have no understanding of MSU’s dominance on the gridiron in the 1960’s. In fact, one of my earliest Spartan memories was watching MSU basketball with my father and brother when George Papadakis was roaming the lane. So here they are, my modern day Spartan warriors.

Blake Ezor: Blake gets the nod as one of my all-time warriors because of the way he played the game. Blake finished off a run as well as anyone. He ran downhill with abandon and carried the ball 40 times a game in George Perles’ offense. The most impressive attribute of Ezor was his durability considering he was only 180 pounds with an inch of water in his shoes.

Percy Snow: Percy was a game changer. He was never big on receiving the blow. He knew how to serve up a hit arguably better than any Spartan linebacker. At 240 pounds, Percy often ran through guards, tackles and fullbacks as if they were merely cardboard cut-outs on his way to obliterate ball carriers. Number 48 not only ranks among the very best linebackers in Spartan history, but he is certainly on the shortlist for all-time linebackers of the Big Ten conference.

Antonio Smith: Smith is clearly the cornerstone recruit of the Tom Izzo era. Listed at 6 feet 8 inches (closer to 6’6”) and 250 pounds, Antonio was a tight end on the basketball court. Antonio played defense and rebounded the basketball as if it were his artistic expression. He was an enforcer in the lane and is responsible for helping bring the “Flintstones” to East Lansing. Smith is currently finishing his degree at MSU; look for Smith to join Tom Izzo’s staff after he graduates.

Julian Peterson: Although we were only able to see JP play in a Spartan uni for two years, he had profound impact on Spartan football during the Nick Saban era. Julian, who currently plays linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, single handedly beat the Ohio State offense on a year they were considered the favorite for the national championship. Peterson lined up as a defensive end his first year as a Spartan and destroyed offensive tackles with his speed and quickness. He is among the quickest defensive players in a 10-yard box to don the green and white.

Mateen Cleaves: Immortalized with the Spartan greats in the rafters of the Breslin Center, Mateen is the epitome of a warrior. Few athletes have ever played with the passion of Cleaves and few could inspire teammates as much as he did. He gave up his body as if he was playing strong safety and he passed the ball with the precision of a ProBowl quarterback. The Flint Northern native made everyone around him smile and ultimately made future Spartan’s long to be just like him. If anyone ever had “IT,” it was Mateen Cleaves. Passion, inspiration, lionhearted, charismatic and blue collar are words that are synonymous with #12.

Plaxico Burress: The 6’5” receiver was absolutely devastating for opposing defenses. Burress was not only an incredible receiver, but he loved to block. Often Burress found himself ahead of his tailback, trouncing safeties and corners downfield as if he were playing tight end. It was not enough to make a crucial block for his teammate; he made it his mission to erase the man in front of him. If you are trying to remember Plax at his best, look no further than his ’99 performance against David Terrell.

Scott Greene: “Scotty” Greene was the touchdown machine. Greene had a way of finding the goal line. He was often relied upon to be a multidimensional player in the backfield. As a fullback, Scott was a great blocker and exceptional pass catcher. Greene often saved late game drives by sneaking into the flat 3 yards and running for 3 more after the catch. When in the redzone, Nick Saban often moved Scott to the tailback position and used him as a battering ram on the goal line. 

Matt Trannon: The third of my Flint Northern trio to make the list gets the nod for multiple reasons. Matt has got to be an exceptional athlete to have played two Big Ten sports at an elite level. The craziest thing about Trannon is that he may have played out of position both on the football field and basketball court. I know that Trannon holds the receptions record at MSU, but I’m not sure he wasn’t better suited to play defensive end or outside linebacker. Trannon often found himself playing extended minutes for the Spartans at power forward because that was where he was needed. MT may have been best suited to play small forward and had he only played basketball, he may have had a pro career at the “3.” 

Drew Stanton: The best news for Drew is that his best football years are ahead of him. Stanton gets the nod on my all time warriors list frankly because he is one. There is no player in Spartan history that caused me more heartache than Drew. It was once stated by a Detroit News reporter that Stanton would put his body through a wood chipper if it meant he reached the first down marker. I truly believe the JLS era headed south the day #5 separated his shoulder in the 2004 Michigan game. Drew plays to win and probably could have started for the Bears in the Super Bowl this year. Drew loves MSU and I can only hope that he finds his way back to East Lansing for visits now and again when Mark Dantonio starts playing MSU football the right way. I don’t want to kick a man when he’s down, but JLS wasted the biggest QB talent to hit East Lansing in 40 years. 

Honorable Mentions: Andre Hutson, Morris Peterson, Andre Rison, Derrick Mason, Mushin Muhammed, Robaire Smith, Chris Baker, Jason Richardson, Charlie Bell, Alan Anderson, Eric Snow, TJ Duckett, Dixon Edwards, Carlos Jenkins, Travis Davis, Dan Enos and Courtney Hawkins.