Jabrill Peppers looks like the center of attention for the Michigan Wolverines in 2016, and that is an impressive statement given the presence of Jim Harbaugh, Jourdan Lewis, Jake Butt and others. Peppers was recently featured as a prominent cover athlete for Sports Illustrated, and that came along with a big-time prediction for success from the magazine.
Beyond that, SI.com's staff recently released a preseason top 25 listing, and the Wolverines landed at the lofty perch of number four overall in the country. Here is what the writers had to say:
After a huge offensive leap forward in 2015, the Wolverines are poised to build on that progress, despite the loss of quarterback Jake Rudock. Whoever wins the starting QB job will get a deep group of receivers to work with and an offensive line that returns four starters.
Not content to be merely fourth in total defense last season, the Wolverines went out and grabbed the coordinator of the top unit, ex-Boston College assistant Don Brown. The aggressive Brown should guide Michigan to bring more pressure and gets an elite group to work with, including do-it-all sensation Jabrill Peppers.
As noted above, the quarterback position is the biggest concern for Michigan. John O'Korn and Wilton Speight have emerged as the two serious contenders under center, but Harbaugh will be tasked with pulling another rabbit out of his hat after doing so with Rudock in 2015.
Michigan will make its presence known defensively, however, as Brown captains a wildly talented group. Peppers gets all of the love nationally, but Jourdan Lewis might be the best cover corner in the country and the defensive line (led by Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton) is an elite group as well. Throw in the fact that top overall recruit Rashan Gary looks to be ready to go as a true freshman and things come together quite quickly in Ann Arbor.
The 2016 schedule is not particularly kind to the Wolverines, with road games against Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State. If Michigan can wade through those waters with a single loss, though, this ranking will look completely reasonable.
