Kornacki: Peppers Hungry to Show What He Can Do
8/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Steve Kornacki
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Mention Jabrill Peppers to his Michigan football teammates and coaches, and they smile and shake their heads. They've seen him do things and heard him say things that made strong impressions, creating great anticipation for his first full season.
Injuries cut short Peppers' debut in 2014. He appeared in only three games and was given a medical redshirt season to retain four years of eligibility.
But now he's ready to go and is looking forward to practices beginning Friday (Aug. 7) and the Sept. 3 opener at Utah.
"I just want to give it my all and show everybody and prove to myself that I am who I say I am," Peppers said. "I've never really had football taken away from me. So, as excited as people are to see me play, I'm maybe 10,000 times more excited to be able to play.
"I want to be able to be out there with my brothers and play and accomplish what I said I was going to accomplish. This has just made me that much more hungry and opened up another drive in me."
He noted that he takes "nothing for granted" any more.
Peppers was named USA Today's defensive player of the year in 2013 at Paramus (New Jersey) Catholic High and was a five-star recruit. He won state championships in each of his four high school seasons -- the first two coming at Don Bosco High in Ramsey, New Jersey.
His YouTube highlight clips full of big hits, interceptions, returns and runs made him one of the most highly anticipated players Michigan has had.
"But I haven't done anything in college yet," said Peppers, who made eight tackles and returned one punt six yards in three games in 2014.
He was hurt in the season opener against Appalachian State and missed the Notre Dame game and entire Big Ten season.
Wolverines radio analyst Dan Dierdorf, a Wolverine All-America offensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer, had his eyes knocked out by a healthy Peppers in the spring game in April.
"If Peppers stays healthy," said Dierdorf, "he's going to be an All-Big Ten player -- this year!" Peppers compares very favorably to Michigan 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.
Woodson was one of the nation's top tailbacks at Fremont (Ohio) Ross, rushing for 3,861 yards during his career but chose defense because he loved to hit and became a feared, lock-down cornerback. Woodson also returned kicks and eventually played receiver for Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh now sees Peppers as a "three-way" player, too. Peppers rushed for 3,059 yards and 43 touchdowns in high school. He also was an able receiver and was a dangerous kick returner.
-- Jabrill Peppers on coming back from injury
"It's exciting when someone's capable of doing that," Harbaugh said. "It means they have some real gifts athletically, and they're really smart and sharp enough to understand three different schemes."
Peppers is thrilled about playing for Harbaugh, whom he views as a kindred spirit.
"Me and Coach Harbaugh share similarities with our love and enthusiasm for the game with our drive and craziness for the game and our competitiveness," said Peppers. "Me and him hit it off right off the bat. We're feeding off him and heading in the right direction. The team has changed, and the sky is the limit for us."
Wolverine linebacker James Ross said Peppers makes a difference for the team in every way imaginable.
"We were running seven-on-seven (plays) when he first got here last summer," said Ross. "Jabrill jumped super high and caught the interception, turned his body, landed and slipped and fell.
"But he got up all upset because he felt like he was supposed to score a touchdown. And it was a ridiculous play. When I saw that, I said, 'This guy's special. This guy is great. He is definitely a talent.' He is constantly critiquing himself. He made a tremendous play but was still upset that he didn't land and score."
When Peppers missed an interception in the spring game, he sprinted to the sideline and dropped to do pushups.
"That's what separates good players from great players," Peppers said. "That could have changed the game. I tried to start running before the pick. I have to stick to the fundamentals. I told the team that was on me."
When a player of Peppers' renown and skill level holds himself accountable to the nth degree, it impacts those around him.
"He makes a lot of guys around him better," said Ross, "and they seek to have his energy."
Peppers didn't wait to become a leader.
"Jabrill has a very distinct personality," said receiver Jehu Chesson. "He speaks his mind, and that's good. He'll compete like no other. He will attack the ball. But the thing is, a lot of guys on defense do that. Some might even do it better. But the consistency he brings in terms of enthusiasm is what makes him special.
"Jabrill is dominant. The kid is energetic and so passionate. His enthusiasm and personality are what make him stand out, and a lot of guys appreciate that."
Linebacker Joe Bolden said Peppers never slows down.
"He never stops talking," Bolden said with a smile. "I don't know what it is about him. His favorite topic? It's football. Sometimes you've just got to tune him out. But he's fun to be around and is such a high-energy guy, just like Coach Harbaugh. They have such a passion and love for the game."
After the spring game in April, Peppers was asked about being a difference-maker.
"I wouldn't necessarily say difference-maker," he said. "But I do think I can have an impact on the game. I love playing a lot of positions. The enthusiasm I bring, I try to get the most out of the guys around me and help them get better. I don't let the guys accept mediocrity. I get on them when I know they can do better, and they do that for me, too.
"I love being around the ball and helping the team in any way I can. I'll do whatever the coaches ask of me." Though, his focus will remain defense.
"We want to be a great defense," said Peppers. "That is what Michigan has been built on, traditionally. Stout defenses with great defensive backs, great linebackers and great linemen who all work in cohesiveness, get the ultimate job done to get the 'W.'"
