The biggest award in college football was handed out Friday night in New York City. The Heisman Memorial Trophy finalists attending the event were Oklahoma’s quarterback Baker Mayfield and their wideout Dede Westbrook, Michigan athlete Jabrill Peppers, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The WINNER? Lamar Jackson
- Lamar Jackson
- Deshaun Watson
- Baker Mayfield
- Dede Westbrook
- Jabrill Peppers
Although Jabrill Peppers did not win and finished fifth, his presence as a finalist is an indicator of what is to come for himself in years ahead, and the Michigan football program under the helm of Jim Harbaugh.
Peppers and his mother were interviewed during the ceremony, and showed Peppers background of struggle and tragedy, growing up in a rough area and dealing with the murder of his brother in 2010. Peppers mother’s advice through this adversity to Peppers was having him dig deep within and not let the bad hinder where he is destined to be going. She also highlighted she’s proud of his hard work, passion, compassion, kindness, and sensitivity. Peppers said that anytime something gets hard, he thinks of his mom, as she always made sure he had what he needed and he was doing what he was supposed to do. He wants to keep making her proud. And he certainly did that tonight.