Michigan State Football: 5 underclassmen who could break out in 2018

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Brandon Randle #26 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Naquan Jones #93 of the Michigan State Spartans pressures Tyler Hilinski #3 of the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Watching Naquan Jones grow over his first eligible season with the Spartans was something to behold. He added depth to the Spartans in 2017, but will mold into much more as a sophomore in 2018.

The third-year sophomore finished with 13 tackles and 2.0 for loss as a redshirt freshman and has the potential to be much more than just added depth. He could be a guy who may play starting snaps, but he’ll have to fight Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk for time, but the three of them could form a deadly trio up front.

Jones almost didn’t become a Spartans, de-committing for a short time before re-affirming his commitment and joining the green and white. It may turn out to be the best decision he’s ever made seeing as the Spartans could use some help in the trenches.

Imagine trying to slow down a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive tackle who moves as well as Jones in the middle of the defensive line. Opposing offensive linemen are going to have a nightmare of a time trying to contain this kid.

Home/Spartans Football