Jabrill Peppers declares for NFL draft
One of college football's most versatile athletes is taking his skills to the next level.
Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers is declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft, he told Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel on Tuesday.
"It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do," Peppers said. "I’m choosing between cementing my legacy as a college player and starting my pro legacy. It’s something you dream of when you were a kid. I was torn between the two."
Peppers lined up all over the field for Jim Harbaugh this season, including stops at corner, nickel, receiver, quarterback, tailback, and as a return man.
Despite moving around, Peppers still shined consistently on the defensive end. He totaled 72 tackles to go along with four sacks and an interception.
Peppers should be a first-round pick, although it remains to be seen where NFL teams will utilize him. The junior will certainly be used to return kicks, but at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he likely won't be a linebacker in the pros. Instead, Peppers will probably find himself employed in the secondary.
"All the questions will be answered," he said. "And they’re good questions. I think I’ll be able to show that I can play one position well when I focus all my time and attention to it. I’m really excited to focus on my back pedal, flipping the hips and my coverage. I’m going to really hone in on that and iron out my weaknesses. I know my weaknesses and I know what I’m good at and need to improve on."
The 2016 campaign ended on a sour note for Peppers, though, as an injury held him out of an Orange Bowl loss to Florida State.