Michigan star Jabrill Peppers named Heisman Trophy finalist

University of Michigan junior/sophomore Jabrill Peppers has been named one of five finalists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy, announced Monday by the Heisman Trophy Trust. Peppers is the first Heisman finalist for the Michigan program since tailback Chris Perry attended the 2003 ceremony.

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The other finalists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy are: Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Deshaun Watson (Clemson) and Dede Westbrook (Oklahoma).

The 82nd Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday (Dec. 10) during a ceremony that will be televised by ESPN starting at 8 p.m.

The most versatile player in college football, Peppers has logged 933 snaps this season for the No. 6-ranked Wolverines. He has played 15 different positions for U-M, seeing action on offense (53 plays), defense (726 plays) and special teams (154).

Peppers is tied for second on the team with a career-best 72 tackles this season, including a team-best 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. One of the most dynamic returners in the country, he leads the Big Ten and is fourth nationally with a 14.8-yard average per punt return. He has 21 punt returns for 310 yards and one touchdown and has 10 kickoff returns for 260 yards (26.0 avg.). Offensively, Peppers has carried the ball 27 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns and has two receptions.

For his performance in the Big Ten, Peppers has been named one of four finalists for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the conference's MVP. He became the first player in Big Ten history to win three individual winners, receiving the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. Peppers earned first-team all-conference honors at linebacker and as a return specialist.

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