Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Northwestern in Week 9
If you’ve been watching the play in the trenches closely this season, you’ve probably recognized that Naquan Jones has been one of the major bright spots. The redshirt freshman doesn’t stuff the stat sheet, but what he does do is clog running lanes and make life miserable for opposing backs.
The 6-foot-4, 328-pound defensive tackle from Mount Prospect, Ill., has been one of those rising stars on the defensive line and a reason as to why this unit has been far more effective than it was a season ago. Even without guys like Malik McDowell, Kevin Williams or even a Cassius Peat-type of player on the roster, Jones has flourished.
However, he has yet to truly break out. In an age where fans like to see statistical evidence of effectiveness, Jones has been fairly quiet. He has just six total tackles on the season and is waiting for his first career sack.
On Saturday, he’s going to get that. He’s had a strong start to his first season and this could be the game in which he truly makes a name for himself. I expect him to finish with three tackles and a sack, putting Spartan fans on notice of his ability.