Ranking the top five tight ends in Michigan State football history

Michigan State is coming up on it's 129th season of college football, and over the course of that timespan, the Spartans have been one of the top 20 programs in the nation.

A big part of the Michigan State success has come from some of the most prolific offenses the Big Ten conference has seen, and the offensive success has driven the Spartans to success.

With the offenses being prolific, and successful, one very specific position group has been consistently good for Michigan State and that is the tight end position. When the Spartans possess solid tight ends, the offense will click on all cylinders.

Recently, Spartans Wire ranked the top ten quarterbacks and top ten running backs in program history, and now, it is time for the tight ends to be ranked:

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HM: Kellen Davis (2004-2007)

Davis had an absolute amazing 2007 season, securing 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 touchdowns, but ultimately, it was the only good season in his Spartan career. Without the longevity, he cannot totally push his way onto the list, but his 2007 season and NFL career need to be recognized.

5. Brian Linthicum (2009-2011)

A Clemson transfer, Linthicum was the pinnacle of a two-way tight end. Being able to block and be a reliable receiving option, Linthicum had been able to do multiple different facets of offensive help during the early years of the Mark Dantonio era.

Final stats (MSU career): 69 receptions, 860 yards, 3 TDs.

4. Charlie Gantt (2008-2010)

What is crazy about MSU having Linthicum? They had Gantt too. A dominating two tight end effort for the Spartans during this era was headlined by these two players, with Gantt being a steady receiving force for the Spartans offense. Gantt was the pinnacle of consistency, going for over 300 yards receiving in all three years of playing time he received.

Final stats: 65 catches, 951 yards, 9 TDs.

3. Josiah Price (2013-2016)

Arguably the most reliable target during the Connor Cook days at Michigan State, Josiah Price was one of the biggest assets of the offense during the glory stretch of Dantonio's era from 2013 to 2015. Price was a reliable red zone target, that was a safety valve for Cook to turn to, when needed.

Final stats: 104 catches, 1,238 yards, 21 TDs.

2. Billy Joe DuPree (1970-1972)

The most successful NFL tight end from the Spartans program, the early 70s were dominated by DuPree in the passing game for the Spartans. The star of the tail end of Duffy Daugherty's tenure at MSU, DuPree was responsible for 57% of the teams passing offense during his senior year.

Final stats: 69 catches, 1,222 yards, 6 TDs.

1. Chris Baker (1998-2001)

An era highlighted by the names like Plaxico Burress, T.J. Duckett, Herb Haygood and Charles Rogers, one name that falls under the radar is Chris Baker, who was one of the most reliable targets Jeff Smoker had. Following his MSU career, he went on to have a successful NFL career, but his time in the green and white should be remembered for how much of a reliable option he was amongst a ton of stars.

Final stats: 127 catches, 1,640 yards, 13 TDs.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Top five tight ends in Michigan State football history