The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
"I see Jibreel starting off at nickel back," Ray said. "That's the easiest to learn, and it brings him closer to the ball. He can make more plays and uti- lize his athleticism to blitz and also cover slot receivers, which is hard to do for most people. "In the event that someone on the back end isn't playing well, let's say the safety opposite of Jarrod Wilson, you can move Jibreel Peppers back to safety." If that happens, Ray likes what it means for Michigan's athleticism and coverage ability in the secondary. "Now you can play Blake Countess, Jourdan Lewis and Ray Taylor under- neath," Ray projected. "It gives you more of a dime package from a cover- age standpoint. It's still a nickel, but you can roll Jibreel down and cover four wide receivers now, put Jarrod Wilson deep in the middle and keep your two linebackers in there. "You don't have to substitute and go to the dime whenever an offense gives you four wide receivers. Jibreel will start at nickel, but I don't think he will end up there. "Michigan wants to put their best 11 on the field at all times, and he's going to be one of your best 11 on defense. He's going to have to be out there at some point, even when it's not nickel. If teams decide to run what doesn't re- quire a nickel package, does that mean Jibreel Peppers is not going to play?" Ray believes Peppers is already one of Michigan's best 11 physically. But how much, how soon, depends on the learning process. "In the long run, I think he'll play corner at Michigan and he'll be a safety in the NFL," Ray said. "This season, he may end up playing a little bit of safety, because that's where the biggest need is going to be. Michigan is going to need another safety back there, if they're going to have a big-time sec- ondary." There will be big-time scrutiny, all along the way. For now, though, Pep- pers will labor in relative silence — at least until Aug. 30. ❑ Head coach Brady Hoke noted over the summer, and reaffirmed at the Big Ten football meet- ings in Chicago, he expects Peppers to start out at the nickel position for the Wolverines. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL