Big Ten Football: 2016 season preview and predictions

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes shakes hands with head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines after a 42-13 Ohio State win at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 28: Jabrill Peppers /

Defensive Player of the Year: Jabrill Peppers

The best thing Brady Hoke ever did at Michigan was recruit Jabrill Peppers. But because of an injury he sustained early on, he never got to experience how good of a player he had. But things happen for a reason, and if Peppers stayed healthy, then maybe Michigan doesn’t finish 5-7, and maybe they don’t get Jim Harbaugh.

While Peppers was always going to be good, Harbaugh brought out the best in him last year. While he made the first-team All-Big Ten team as a safety, he also ranked fourth in the conference in punt return average. He even lined up to play 26 offensive snaps.

Peppers will start this season as a linebacker, but it’s unlikely he’ll finish the season as one. He’s not just the best defensive player in the Big Ten – he’s one of the best special teams players, and he’s also an offensive threat.

It’s one thing to play so many different positions, but it’s another thing to play them well. Because of that, Coach Harbaugh plans on playing him for up to 100 snaps a game. And if his college career has served as any indication, he’ll be making a meaningful contribution in each one of those snaps.

College football has rarely ever seen a player like Peppers, but this year, Michigan has another player like him. When Jourdan Lewis asked Harbaugh to play offense, he obliged. Lewis is poised to be the next three-way star in college football, but he won’t escape the shadow of Jabrill Peppers while he’s there.

Next: Predicting Coach of the Year