Michigan Football: Wolverines Need Jabrill Peppers to Own Spring Practice

If all goes as planned, this fall could end up being "Breezy" for Michigan's defense. But before Jabrill Peppers makes that happen, the redshirt freshman and former 5-star recruit must make a splash during spring practices.

On April 4, the spring game has to be the Jabrill Show.

Peppers, a 6'0," 205-pounder out of New Jersey, was plagued with injury as a true freshman, allowing for just six punt returns during three appearances. His naysayers loved it. The most talked about kid didn't do a thing. Critics celebrated his misfortune.

But he's back.

He's healthy, and he needs to put his stamp on the team, right now. That goes without saying. According to secondary coach Greg Jackson, the process has gotten off to a comparison-worthy start.

“He reminds me of Rodney Harrison (San Diego Chargers/New England Patriots) when I played [in the NFL]—he reminds of me of Rodney,” said Jackson, who stopped for a moment to reflect on the comparison. “[He’s] enthusiastic, intense during practice…full speed to the ball all the time.

“He’s a kid that’s hungry, ready to prove himself and, you know, a guy like Peppers, you can’t teach hustle. I mean, he’s just got ‘it.’ He’s just got that knack of being a football player. We just keep him going in the right direction, coaching him—I mean, I think he’s going to be a really good player.”

During an interview with MGoBlue’s Steve Kornacki, special teams coordinator John Baxter commented on Peppers’ athleticism. His words echo those of many who have seen the Jersey Kid flex on the field.

"One, he's really intelligent," Baxter said. "Two, he's really explosive. Three, he's really passionate. And four, he might be in the top five most coachable guys we have. You ask him to do it, and he's doing it better than anybody else."

Jackson couldn't help but agree with his colleague's analysis.

“There's no doubt about it,” Jackson said. “The thing about it is, not only is he one of the most coachable guys, he takes everything to heart. He listens to everything you coach him. I mean, he's a guy that goes out and tries to do exactly what you to tell him to do.”

Jackson was cooler than cool Thursday. He was almost too calm while referencing Peppers. His tone would lead one to believe that he was talking about a guy he's coached for years.

“I expect to see him communicate in the secondary, which he does with no problem,” Jackson explained. “I expect him to hustle to the football, which he does with no problem. I expect him to get his hands on balls, which he does with no problem. I expect him to play the deep middle of the field—he does that great. He tackles great. He does everything you ask him to do—and he does much more. You know, Pep is the type of player that's not going to get relaxed…because he's got fire within.”

Everything. He does everything well in practice. That’s a bold statement. But Peppers rode a tidal wave of hype into Michigan, so it makes perfect sense for coaches to say that. In 2014, Greg Mattison, who is now the D-line coach, raved about Peppers' athleticism, attitude and composure.

Teammates said the same. 

While injured, Peppers was often photographed amping up teammates on the sidelines—something like a coach would do. He was barely out of high school.

There really isn't much Peppers can't do. He's naturally gifted and will probably return kicks and punts and maybe even one day, try his hand as a slot receiver or running back. Who knows? There is no ceiling for Peppers, who was the No. 1- or No. 2-ranked athlete of 2014, depending on the scouting service.

Jackson realizes what he has in Peppers. On Thursday, that's not a corner or a returner, and certainly nothing that involves offense.

"Well, right now, he's a nickel and a safety for us,” Jackson said, without a blink. “That’s the need—where we need him right now. And I think with him playing a safety position and playing inside, I think that's a big plus for us because I think everybody will pay attention to where he is on the inside of the defense. We need him back there because he's a leader, you know.”

Jackson later added: “You always look at a player and think about where he best fits, and you know, we think Pep best fits at the safety position just because who he is and what he brings. You know, it's almost like if you put him at corner, he's out there—you don't really see him.”

As pointed out by Scout.com's Kyle Bogenschutz during the interview session, Peppers has the skill, which he referred to as “swagger,” to back up his talk on the field. That attitude will be important, and Jackson doesn't mind it one bit. 

In fact, he sounded like he almost encourages "Pep" to strut around every now and then.

“That's right; I'm fine with it," Jackson said, with zero hesitation. "As long as he doesn't get out of control with it, I'm fine with it. I mean, because everybody has a different way of playing a football game. Some guys are quiet and are terrors on the football field. Some guys are loud and can back it up. Some guys are loud but can’t play. I mean, but he's the type of guy who backs everything up. He's a guy who talks a lot, you know, but he backs everything up.

“And the thing about it is, with Pep, he's not talking just to talk. He's talking to energize the team and himself, you know, to make guys play better. So, everything he does is positive.”

Peppers has played three games, yet he's been stuck in the national spotlight for more than a year. In fact, he's one of the most talked about players in the country to this day, not just one of the most hyped at Michigan. 

He wasn't present during Thursday's availability, but he somehow managed to rule the conversation.

Spring will be a cinch.

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability. Stats and bio information comes via MGoBlue. Recruiting information comes via 247Sports.