Fansided

30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Janarion Grant (1) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Noah Furbush (59) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Janarion Grant (1) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Noah Furbush (59) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
18

Noah Furbush

Linebacker, Michigan

During his time with the Michigan Wolverines, Jabrill Peppers pretty much did everything. Not only was he an All-American linebacker, but he also played in the secondary, on offense, and on special teams. All of his efforts led to him earning the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football.

Last season, the Wolverines looked destined to head to the College Football Playoff. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has built an incredible roster in Ann Arbor, and had it not been for a road loss to Iowa late in the season, they likely would have been in the playoff. Instead, the Wolverines lost a heartbreaker to Ohio State as well, finishing the season with two losses.

In 2017, Michigan is going to have to figure out a way to replace Peppers, who is one of the more irreplaceable players in college football. That task will be held by Noah Furbush, who should move into Peppers’ role as the team’s top linebacker. Furbush is another guy who is an incredible athlete, and he may actually be a better tackler than Peppers.

Michigan is going to be solid once again in 2017, and it is possible that they make another run at the College Football Playoff. They are going to have to stave off the likes of Ohio State and Penn State just to come out of the Big Ten East Division, and Furbush is going to play a huge role in them doing that. He is up for the task, but replacing a player who impacted the game on both sides of the ball is going to be tough.

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