Five reasons why Jabrill Peppers should win the Heisman
By Connor Learn
2. Peppers winning the Heisman validates Michigan
The Heisman announcement always leaves a mark. Heisman winners can help define eras, validate the accomplishments of many and capture history as it happens. The three Heismans won by USC players between 2002 and 2005 accurately define that era of college football. The fact the SEC owns five of the last nine Heisman awards captures this era. Baylor, Texas A&M and Oregon have had Heisman winners in recent seasons, and it’s helped them make their mark on this era despite not winning national championships. A Heisman victory forever enshrines a team and program in history.
Michigan was one of the top football programs in America this season. If the Wolverines’ Wilson Speight didn’t get injured during the Iowa game, they may not have lost. He was playing injured during their double OT loss to Ohio State two weeks later as well. If that injury hadn’t occurred, Michigan would have made the College Football Playoff and got the chance to play for a National Championship. That ultimate goal has eluded them, but Michigan proved themselves to be a national power again this season.
Jim Harbaugh has rebuilt Michigan largely with players Brady Hoke recruited. Ultimately, their emergence as a national power is ahead of schedule. Rivals ranked their freshman class fourth nationally and has their 2017 class tabbed seventh. Harbaugh will build a juggernaut that will succeed for years to come. This is really just the start for Michigan.
When looking back in history, most won’t care about Jackson putting up statistics for a mostly irrelevant Louisville football team. Peppers winning the Heisman for Harbaugh’s first truly nationally relevant Michigan team would do a far better job of encapsulating college football in 2016.