Darqueze Dennard, a former defensive back, has been formally inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame. Dennard was the face of Michigan State football’s legendary “No Fly Zone” defense.

Despite just being a two-star recruit, Dennard went on to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the finest defensive back in the country, be selecte

The whole defense, which memorably held Michigan to -48 yards rushing, was the game’s MVP. Dennard had a significant role in it by rushing Devin Gardner, a mobile quarterback, and ended with four tackles, a forced fumble, and a spectacular interception.

The Wolverines were pushing the ball down the field and reaching the Spartans’ 20-yard line, but the game was essentially out of their grasp. Gardner had a rare opportunity to throw, but Dennard’s covering on Jeremy Gallon was excellent, and Dennard could not have come at a better moment. The ball was in play, and Michigan State’s run of thirty straight and more than eleven quarters

d twice to the first team of the Big Ten, and be named unanimously to the first team of All-America. The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the first round of the draft, and he went on to play in the NFL for eight seasons.

Dennard was a masterful playmaker who possessed the ability to tackle, cover, and lead at the highest level.

These are his top three Spartan performances.