Peppers plans to run track at Michigan
According to The Star Ledger Jabrill Peppers plans on running track at UM after becoming the second boy ever to win both the 100 and 200 meter races.
The amazing part is:
The 6-1, 210-pound Peppers — brawny and chiseled with muscle — cuts an imposing figure on the track, looking like a freight train next to mostly smaller opponents. He says he is still only starting to learn proper technique when it comes to sprinting, but he is such an extraordinary athlete it has not mattered.
“I’m just running on sheer strength,” he said.
I wonder if he's cleared that with the football staff. I thought I remember that the staff doesn't allow a player to do another sport other than football their freshman year. Didn't that come up with another high level prospect that wanted to run track as well during the recruiting process. Maybe I'm remembering incorrectly. Either way, I would like to see what he can do with high level track coaching. Also, someone from USA today or something reported (i.e. tweeted) that Peppers recorded a 4.32 40 time (no mention if hand or laser).
Yea, I remember that too. I think it was either Ju-Ju Smith, Adore Jackson, or McQuay.
It was Jackson. The article doesn't say anywhere that he plans on running track his freshman year though, just in college. I'm sure he knows the policy.
I'm all for this. If anything, it helps him stay in even better shape during the off season.
meh
I ran track for years. Not in college, but in high school. Yes, there is an injury risk in any physical activity, but it's not very high with track.
you have to tape it, then slow the replays down to anti-ludicrous speed.
I do think that it would be fun to watch him go to plaid, if you will, at a meet though. From the video posted the other day of him running the 100-meter, I believe it was, Peppers certainly seems like someone who could do just that. It would definitely leave other contenders quoting Barf from that movie - "What the HELL was that?"
to see a couple plays made up for him on offense. I love that his main position is going to be on defense, but, a guy with that speed, that can move a fluidly as he can, with that size, who is not afraid of a little contact?
Agreed but I think with Peppers the intriguing thing is that he is not just pure speed on offense, he his good moves and power also. It's not like just moving a track guy to offense. Peppers also appears to have the patience, cutting ability and vision to be a top-notch back or playmaker.
as he could probably do offensively, Michigan needs the player that can bring a real defensive mentality/reputation back to its program. Our defensive secondary has been really soft for a really long time. I am OK with Peppers playing safety or corner all 4(3) years and really locking that position down. Hopefully we can build from there.
Chances of that are slim to none. A 10.5 100m dash is crazy good for his age, but a good deal short of elite.
There's another Michigan football player who has done that fairly recently.
I was at this meet! This was Denard's freshman year so he was a relative unknown. I saw him outside warming up when I was walking to the meet and said "hi and good luck". He nodded back to me.
By the time he's a senior, the new indoor track STADIUM will be built. This is perfect to fill the place.
I think we should concentrate on filling the Big House first.
I don't think that's happening within the next 4 years, despite what Brandon says.
It's already been funded by the Ross donation.
speed
Just looking at the current men's track roster, Peppers would immediately become the fastest 100m/200m sprinter on the team. Kid is FAST.
That's the bomb he is going to run track. Great for the program and getting other fast football players in to do the same maybe. However, this guys real speed is on grass. You put some track stars on grass and they are like a fish out of water. Peppers is a freak athlete. He's quick, agile, elusive, jukes, straighline uncatchable. What a great day. What a great offense and defense we are going to have. Ty Isaac and him on offense is lights out. Buckeyes aren't going to know what hit them.
So adding Peppers strengthens the sprints immediately.
He's the next Tyrone Wheatley. He was a big, fast guy that ran track at Michigan and he was pretty good at football, too.
Wonder if Nuss will use him on the other side of the ball. Can't wait for him to get on campus and get some reports out.
Acccording to the article in which Jabrill Peppers is named the Northern New Jersey High School Athlete of the Week by his local newspaper, "he eventually wants to run track for Michigan, though probably not during his first two years."
Smart kid. Dont' bite off more than you can chew. Presuming he stays healthy, he's got the physical gifts to do a lot at Michigan--defensive backfield; special teams; offense; track & field. But learn to crush it in one area first, then slowly add items on to your plate. He can add track in his junior season when he knows the football playbook cold.