Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers named semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award

The Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the best defensive back in the nation. Believe it or not, Michigan has two of the 16 semifinalists in senior Jourdan Lewis and redshirt sophomore Jabrill Peppers.

Peppers has played hybrid linebacker, nickel and safety this season for the Wolverines. He has 40 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and one forced fumble through seven games.

Lewis, on the other had, has played in only four of seven games for Michigan. He missed the first three games with an injury. He has 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups and one interception.

The winner of the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on December 8, 2016 on ESPN.