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EAST LANSING -- Spring football is always an important time for coaches and players. It gives a chance for the unproven to prove and the inexperienced to gain more. But it's also a time to answer questions.

For MSU the Battle of the Sophomore Safties -- Isaiah Lewis and Jairus Jones -- is underway. Both are dueling for the vacant strong safety spot left by Marcus Hyde in a battle that defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett calls, "close."

Jones started off No. 1 on the depth chart last week, but Lewis got the No. 1 reps at the end of the week. It seems this battle will continue for the rest of the spring and probably into the fall. One thing is for certain, the winner will be hungry and always looking over his shoulder -- probably the way Barnett and Mark Dantonio prefer it.

Meanwhile, the offensive line is a work in progress. New O-Line coach Mark Staten is working through injuries and the uncertainty of bringing new players into the two-deep such as Blake Treadwell and Skyler Schofner.