Jabrill Peppers Comments on Being Named Heisman Trophy Finalist

Despite enjoying a great season that saw him produce on offense, defense and special teams for the Michigan Wolverines, Jabrill Peppers said Friday he was surprised to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist. 

According to Larry Lage of the Associated Press (h/t CBS Detroit), the multitalented defensive back and linebacker could hardly believe he was invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony: "I was in shock when I got that call. I'm still in shock. It's surreal. When you're a child, you set goals and you work hard for things like this."

While Peppers is primarily a defensive player, he also saw time as a running back, wide receiver and wildcat quarterback, in addition to his contributions on kick and punt returns.

Peppers is just the seventh defensive player to be named a Heisman finalist in the past 30 years, but he admitted there were other deserving candidates for that honor along with him this season: "It means a lot to be a part of that group. I didn't finish the season as well as I thought and hoped I would, and there were a lot of guys that could have been finalists ahead of me."

On the season, the junior East Orange, New Jersey, native has registered 66 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception. He has also racked up 167 rushing yards and three touchdowns, as well as one punt return score.

Peppers is a true do-it-all player for the Wolverines, but becoming the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy since Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997 is a tall task.

Not only must Peppers beat out the front-runner in Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, but he also faces stiff competition from Clemson signal-caller Deshaun Watson, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook.

Even if Peppers doesn't come away with the Heisman Trophy, he opened plenty of eyes with his versatility this season and likely raised his draft stock significantly should he decide to declare for the 2017 NFL draft.

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