By Adam Przeslak, staff reporter.
At the end of each regular college football season, a single player hoists the Heisman Trophy above their head as a sea of applause erupts from a crowd. Every player dreams for that moment, but only a handful will get the opportunity to even be a candidate for such a prestigious award.
The honor is awarded to the “most outstanding player of the college football season.” Winners join the ranks of legends such as Roger Staubach, Barry Sanders, Doug Flutie, Billy Sims, Bo Jackson and numerous other unforgettable names in football.
Outstanding offensive players are usually given the nod over defensive players when it comes to Heisman candidacy. However, there has been one instance of a primarily defensive player winning the award. That was Michigan CB Charles Woodson, who also served as a punt returner and occasional WR, in 1997. Now another Michigan player is making headlines as another possible two-way playing Heisman candidate.
Michigan redshirt sophomore Jabrill Peppers is listed as a DB/LB on the depth chart, but his position is never set in stone. Peppers also serves as the team’s safety, kick returner, and all around playmaker on offense.
There is no area of his game that is weak. QBs, RBs, and WRs of all kinds know the challenge they face when the Wolverines come to town. Master-of-all-positions, Jabrill Peppers, keeps the opponents guessing as to where he will line up on either side of the ball.
Second year head coach Jim Harbaugh launched the nationwide speculation of Peppers’ candidacy for the Heisman during the Rutgers post-game conference.
“There’s nothing he can’t do. It’s the darndest thing I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh told the press, “My humble opinion is we are looking for a Heisman trophy winner, candidate.”
During Michigan’s blowout 78-0 game against Rutgers in week six, Peppers had an offensive breakout game scoring a career high two rushing touchdowns both off direct snaps. He also had a career long 63 yard run that put the Michigan offense in scoring position on the Rutgers four-yard line. The same game, Peppers also would have scored on a 44 yard punt return, but an illegal blocking penalty brought the ball back nearly to the point of the catch. You can tell Peppers would make an awesome “Dancing With the Stars” contestant by his footwork on the field. He’s become known for dodging tackles and shedding defenders on his kick returns.
The Rutgers game was just one of many stellar performances that Peppers has racked up this season. He’s already rushed for 98 yards this season, averaging 19.6 yards per carry, and two offensive touchdowns. Those are some astonishing numbers for a transplanted player only stepping into the RB position a handful of times. Defensively speaking he’s gotten 38 total tackles and a forced fumble this season alone after just six games.
His talent and skill is the kind which cannot be taught but only improved through coaching. The scary part of Peppers’ game is that there is room for improvement throughout the season and for seasons to come. He’s definitely making his case for being the most outstanding player by spreading his talents throughout both sides of the ball. Though the Heisman voters typically choose a player who is purely outstanding at their one position, I think they will see an exception in Peppers. By being so gifted at each aspect of the game, he strongly represents the credentials necessary for the Heisman.
His athleticism, speed, strength and natural talent for the game cannot truly be expressed in written word. I urge those who haven’t watched a Michigan game this season to tune in for an upcoming game and keep your eyes on the number five in maize and blue. As much as it pains me to say, being the loyal Michigan State fan I am, Harbaugh and the Wolverines have an outstanding Heisman candidate in Jabrill Peppers.
Those who select the Heisman candidates, the members of the sports media, have what I like to call an “offensive bias.” The typical football fan loves to keep their eye on the movement of the ball. That means that fans and Heisman voters are already watching the ball and catch a glimpse of the QBs that throw for a few hundred yards per game or the RBs who truck over defenders for long runs turned touchdowns.
But for a defensive player to catch the eye of a fan, or more importantly a voter, they need to do something astonishing. Unless they take away the ball via interception or fumble, the average eye isn’t going to be focused on them. Defensive players deserving of the Heisman, such as Peppers, are already standing at a disadvantage so they must overcome this bias through absolute domination in their position, or possibly even other positions as well.
That’s exactly what Peppers does which, in my opinion, makes him a standout Heisman candidate. He beats offensive Heisman candidates at their own game and excels on other aspects of the game.
