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College Football: 25 breakout players to watch in 2016

By John Buhler

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs back a kickoff against the Michigan State Spartans during the1st half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs back a kickoff against the Michigan State Spartans during the1st half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

The Michigan Wolverines may have been able to land the No. 1 player in the country out of New Jersey’s Paramus Catholic High School in defensive tackle Rashan Gary, but the Wolverines already have another former five-star from the same private school alma mater in defensive back Jabrill Peppers.

Peppers was the last elite recruit that Brady Hoke was somehow able to land. After playing sparingly in 2014 as a true freshman, Peppers moved from cornerback to safety under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and had great success on the gridiron in 2015.

Peppers had 45 combined tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss of yardage in 12 games for the 2015 Wolverines. Yes, he has still yet to come down with an interception for the Wolverines, but Peppers has the raw talent to become the best defensive back to play in Ann Arbor since Charles Woodson.

He’ll likely need that fourth year of playing in the Big Ten as a defensive back to be ready to play on Sundays, but Peppers might be the best defensive player on a very good Michigan football team. Peppers enters 2016 as the second most talented defensive back in a deep pool in the Big 10.

Next: 4. Da'Shawn Hand.

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