Five reasons why Jabrill Peppers should win the Heisman

4. Peppers is the best player in the nation

Peppers arrived at Michigan as a heralded five-star cornerback recruit. After appearing in only three games due to injuries in 2014, he started 12 games at defensive back in 2015 and played at a high level. New defensive coordinator Don Brown came to Michigan this season with a challenge for Peppers: play strong side linebacker. He faced this challenge head on and was actually able to exceed his previous level of play in his new role.

Michigan concluded their regular season at 10-2, ranked sixth nationally. They largely were able to ride their defense to success. The unit finished the regular season ranked second in total defense, including first in passing defense. And though the Wolverines have talent across the board defensively, Peppers was the linchpin of the unit. He did everything for them this year and showed why he’s the best player in college football.

Jabrill Peppers did what he always has done and played coverage at a very high level. But his new linebacker role had him being more impactful. Peppers finished the season with 72 tackles, second on the team. He also led Michigan in tackles for loss, with 16. That total also ranks in the top 25 nationally. Peppers added eight quarterback hurries, four sacks, an interception and a forced fumble for good measure. Based on the merits of his defensive abilities alone, Peppers should be a contender for the Heisman. But his case doesn’t end there.