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Michigan State football's defensive line makeover led by Naquan Jones, Drew Beesley

Michigan State Spartans football coach Mel Tucker speaks to the media on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in East Lansing. Detroit Free Press

The time for Naquan Jones and Drew Beesley to shine is fast approaching.

Michigan State football’s defensive line loses three of its four starters going into the 2020 season. And defensive tackle Jones and defensive end Beesley hope to emerge from the shadows of Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk and Kenny Willekes.

“They were great teachers,” defensive line coach Ron Burton said Wednesday of the NFL-bound departures on a conference call. “And those kids behind that had 200-plus snaps are going to have opportunity to play up front.