The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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DECEMBER 2016 THE WOLVERINE 17 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstand- ing college football player whose performance best exhibits the pur- suit of excellence with integrity. The winners of the trophy epito- mize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance and hard work. Being on a winning team doesn't hurt either, and through 10 games Michigan was 9-1 and had outscored its opponents 445-110. The best player on Michigan's roster is Jabrill Peppers so the question remains — can he really win it? He Absolutely Can Win The Heisman By Brandon Brown One need not look any further than how Wolverine legend Charles Woodson won his Heisman Trophy in 1997. Woodson and Peppers aren't used in the same way on offense or defense, but they both leave a huge imprint on all facets of the game. Woodson was more wide receiver than running back and had 12 receptions for 238 yards and two touchdowns when he won college football's top honor. He did also carry the ball five times for 21 yards and another score. Through just 10 games, Peppers has been used more as a back and has carried the ball 21 times for 161 yards and three scores. He also has two catches for three yards. On defense, Woodson was far better as a pass defender with eight interceptions in 1997. Through 10 games, Peppers hasn't recorded a pick, but he does have 59 total tackles, including 14 for loss (good for third in the Big Ten) and four sacks. Woodson finished 1997 with 44 tackles, including just five for loss and one sack. As far as the return game is concerned, it's not that close. Woodson had 36 re- turns for 301 total return yards (8.4 yards per return) and one touchdown during his Heisman campaign. So far in 2016, Peppers has 24 returns for 474 yards (19.8 yards per return) and a score. The numbers speak for themselves — get Jabrill to New York and hand him the hardware. No Heisman Possibility for Peppers By Leland Mitchinson At this point in the season, Jabrill Peppers' Heisman hope is little more than a pipe dream. Though he is arguably the most versatile player in the country and without a doubt one of the best all-around defenders, his lack of big, flashy plays has eliminated him from contention for the trophy that has seemingly become an award for the nation's best quarterback or running back. With Louisville's Lamar Jackson threatening Colt Brennan's single-season touch- down record of 63 and other high-flying offensive performances from players like Washington quarterback Jake Browning and San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey, this year was just too tall a task for a primarily defensive player to pull off a Heisman coup. For those who argue Peppers' four touchdowns are the same number Michigan legend Charles Woodson had in 1997 when he won the trophy, Woodson did not face the same offensive production from his Heisman rivals. That year Peyton Manning had just 39 total touchdowns, fellow quarterback Ryan Leaf notched 40 and wideout Randy Moss scored 26 times. Woodson also had eight interceptions to Peppers' zero, though Peppers has one forced fumble. Peppers' lack of a defined position also makes it harder for voters to categorize his value. Though in another year Peppers may have had a serious shot, the odds are stacked against him and the mountain of offensive numbers will be too tall for him to climb. POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT DOES JABRILL PEPPERS HAVE A LEGITIMATE SHOT AT WINNING THE HEISMAN? Peppers' average of 1.4 tackles for loss per game through 10 contests was tied for 19th nationally. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Michigan Sportula $ 19 95 SALE! (Reg $24.95) Plus $6.50 S&H NC, IN & MI Residents add sales tax THE WOLVERINE PO BOX 2331 DURHAM, NC 27702 1-800- 421-7751 Visit our online store: TheWolverineOnDemand.com ON SALE NOW! Item #1220