Jabrill Peppers began his college football career as a cornerback. Now, he is the top-rated linebacker in the country in the minds of at least one major conglomerate.
Michigan's do-everything defensive athlete was prominently featured in ESPN's ranking of the top 100 players in college football, as Peppers landed at No. 9 overall. In addition, Peppers garnered the honor of being the highest rated player at his position, even if that comes with some level of controversy given that he is the pure definition of a hybrid defensive force.
Here is what ESPN had to say about the inclusion:
Peppers might be the most versatile player in college football this season. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said the only player whom he has coached with the same ability to learn on the fly as the sophomore linebacker was Andrew Luck. That football intelligence combined with freakish athleticism is a scary combination.
Versatility has been Peppers' calling card throughout his time at Michigan, and Jim Harbaugh's words certainly echo with credibility given his football-related travels. It will be very interesting to see how the Wolverines deploy Peppers on the heels of a season in which he made huge contributions in all three phases, but given the transition to being a full-time linebacker, Michigan clearly has a defined role in mind.
Peppers trails only one Big Ten player, Iowa cornerback Desmond King, on the list and that is an indication of the massive expectations he faces as a redshirt sophomore. If there is anyone who can live up to that billing, though, it is likely Jabrill Peppers.
