UM’s Peppers wins Paul Hornung Award for versatility
Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers won the Paul Hornung Award on Tuesday, given to the most versatile player in major college football.
Peppers is one of five Heisman Trophy finalists and last week became the first person to earn Big Ten defensive player of the year, linebacker of the year and return specialist of the year in one season.
He will be honored March 7 in Louisville at the annual Paul Hornung banquet.
Peppers is primarily a defensive player who has also played on offense and special teams for the 10-2 Wolverines, who are heading to the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 in Miami.
“It means a lot to me to win this award,” Peppers said in a release. “You definitely want to do as much as possible, and you want to do it as well as you can. I think there are a lot of guys who could have won this award, so it’s just a tremendous honor to be the winner and to represent the Paul Hornung Award. I’m just going to keep to trying to get better, keep working on my faults and do whatever I have to do to help my team.”
Primarily a linebacker, Peppers also lined up at cornerback, nickel corner, safety and free safety. He led the team with 16 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries, and was second on the team with 72 total tackles and four sacks.
On special teams, Peppers led the Big Ten and was fifth nationally with 14.8 yards per punt return with one touchdown and averaged 25 yards per kickoff return. He also played wildcat quarterback, running back, slot and wide receiver. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry, and was the Wolverine’s fifth leading rusher with 161 yards and three touchdowns.
“Jabrill loves competition and has a relentless desire to be great,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said in a statement. “We are honored that Jabrill has been selected as the Paul Hornung Award winner, an achievement fitting of his versatility on the football field. Jabrill is explosive, aggressive, intelligent and plays the game with great enthusiasm. He has always wanted what is best for the team and has been willing to accept any role that is asked of him. We are very proud of this achievement.”