Michigan Wolverines

Heisman Trophy: Why Can't Jabrill Peppers Take Home the Hardware?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan’s 60-minute-man Jabrill Peppers has done everything and more in his Heisman campaign

If the Heisman Trophy was awarded based on the box scores, Jabrill Peppers name wouldn’t be connected in any way to the prestigious honor. Lamar Jackson would receive 100% of the votes, and very few people would complain.

Thankfully, the Heisman Trophy voters are (typically) smarter than most, and will actually watch the games and not just the box scores.

Voters will see that Jabrill Peppers has played linebacker, safety, running back, wide receiver, quarterback, kick returner, nickel corner, and punt returner in his career with the Wolverines. They see that versatility and ability to play in every facet of the game.

Peppers has four touchdowns this year through eight games, the same amount former Michigan star and Heisman winner Charles Woodson in 1997. It would only be fitting that the first defensive player to win the Heisman be another Michigan man.

Voters should acknowledge that he is the first player in the last 10 seasons with a rush, catch, sack, kick return and punt return in a single game

October 29th, 2016: MSU fumbles the pitch and Jabrill Peppers takes it to the house for 2 points as Michigan wins 32-23. pic.twitter.com/tZJYeTeRhZ

— Michigan Moments (@UofMMoments) October 29, 2016

The mission of the Heisman Trust is simple, and it exemplifies everything Peppers has done throughout his career at Michigan.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The winners of the trophy epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.

So look past the box scores and Lamar Jackson’s own incredible season, and consider Jabrill Peppers for the Heisman. He’s the number one player on my 2017 NFL Draft big board, and the Heisman will seal that up.