'Who wore it best' at Michigan State: No. 15

Ever see a number on a Michigan State football jersey and think of all the great players to wear it? Me, too. In this daily series, I’ll give you my take on which Spartan football player was the best ever to wear each number. The criteria are simple: How did he perform at MSU? And what kind of impact did he have on the program? 

No. 15 – Trae Waynes

Cornerback, 2012-14, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Résumé

2012: 2 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, 0.5 sacks

2013: 35 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles; 3 interceptions, 5 pass defenses, 1 fumble recovery

2014: 34 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 1.0 sack; 3 interceptions, 8 pass defenses, 1 fumble recovery

Total: 71 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 1.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, 13 pass defenses, 2 fumble recoveries

Why Waynes?

When you are part of a position group that has a nickname, you're more likely land on this list. The honor here goes to Spartans cornerback, Trae Waynes, who was part of the “No Fly Zone” during his three-year career in East Lansing.

Before he was selected No. 11 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 NFL draft, Waynes was one of the best perimeter defenders in school history.

Waynes’ breakout season came in 2013, when he picked off three passes and recovered a fumble. He was in on 50 tackles and broke up five passes. The following season, his last in green and white, Waynes once again intercepted three passes and recovered a loose ball. During his junior campaign, he denied opposing receivers eight times.

Alongside Darqueze Dennard, Kurtis Drummond and others, Waynes helped make a physical MSU secondary the best in the Big Ten Conference in 2014. That season ended with a New Year’s Six bowl and a dramatic 42-41 come-from-behind win over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl. During his junior season, Waynes and the Spartans won the Rose Bowl, knocking off Stanford, 24-20.

Who else wore No. 15?

Todd Boleski (K, 2005-08), David Duda (DB, 1974-76), Darwin Dudley (G, 1936-37), Hilmar Fick (HB, 1915-16), George Handy (G, 1930-32), Renaldo Hill (CB, 1998-2000), Richard Kolb (QB, 1983), William Maskill (HB, 1944), Brandon Massey (CB, 2002), John Mullin (QB, 1964-66), Kerry Reed (WR, 2005-06), Richard Salani (WR, 1972), Tyson Smith (CB, current), Brandon Sowards (WR, 2015-16), Donald Spencer (WR, 2010), Randy Vanderbush (QB, 1989), Bert Vaughn (QB, 1977-81), Robert Wasczenski (Flanker, 1984)

Contact Cody Tucker at (517) 377-1070 or cjtucker@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @CodyTucker_LSJ.

MORE ON TRAE WAYNES:
* Trae Waynes trained in Floyd Mayweather's gym
* Watch Trae Waynes run a 4.32-second 40 at NFL combine
* MSU reacts to Trae Waynes' departure for NFL