DBs Doing Work (Lewis & Peppers shirtless pic)
OK, so it's summer, I'm not a big fan of watching the soccer on television, and I'm a teacher...a little bored! But, I happend to come across this picture of Jordan Lewis, Jabrill Peppers, and Terry Richardson and I figured some may be interested.
I'm really excited about how good the DBs can be this year. With Countess and Wilson coming back, Lewis' performance in the spring game, Stribling getting all that experience last year, and Peppers in the mix it should be a very talented group. I don't want to forget about Thomas and Taylor too, so hopefully they both continue to make strides.
I will say this picture does continue to make me question if Peppers is really 6'1". Unless Lewis grew a lot this offseason Peppers looks closer to 5'10". But, Lewis sure looks a lot bigger than 174 lbs weight he's listed at...if Peppers is in fact 210 lbs. I'm gonna hope that Lewis is getting bigger! I think thest two are really good this year!
There's something about the 6 foot mark. Even if you're 5'11-3/4" its like somehow you got left out of the club.
I've heard this talk here and there about how a 6' 1" QB isnt tall enough to make it as a pro, a 6' 4" guy is what's really needed. And I don't buy it at all, if you can play you can play despite a 1 or 2 inch height difference. Its a media talking point at best.
I honestly believe Peppers is *way ahead* of the typical physical development for a freshman. That's why he could dominate in high school because of the man-against-boys phenomenon. So I think that gives him an outstanding chance of picking up some playing time this fall. I also believe from his interviews that he's actually living his dream and knows that, and is smart and dedicated enough to put in the time and energy to realize his full potential. I think if he does that he will in time be recognized as a leader and bring that intangible to the game as well. I'm very proud that he decided to come to Michigan, as he could have literally picked any college in America and they would have opened the doors, I'm going to be pulling for #5 every time he sees the field.
I have said a number of times what I believe makes a good athlete and it has less to do with height, weight, speed, or strength. There's also a 200 lbs weight mark, a 315 lbs bench, a 405 lbs squat, a 500 lbs deadlift, etc. The lists go on and on for athletes. They are simply numbers, but to many they serve as benchmarks. They only matter as much as people make them matter. My hunch is scouts care. If they didn't why would teams, UM included, constantly inflate their numbers? Why was Denard always listed at 6'0" at UM, but measured in at 5'10" at the Combine? I personally don't think it matters, and obviously Peppers is gonna be insane. The purpose of the thread was to point out my excitement for the defensive backfield. However, I can't say it doesn't slightly urk me when folks point out his size all the time and often cite his height at 6'1" as part of that equation when IMO he's probably 2-3' inches shorter than that. FWIW arm length is more important than height for an athlete so I'd be very curious to know his wingspan.
This guy didn't have long arms:
Didn't keep him from dominating the field for millions of years!
There ya go ruining a good exercise science conversation with a corny joke ;)
but disagree with a couple of your points. In the grand scheme of things an inch is probably not going to make a huge difference, you're right about that. Where I disagree is your assertion that the numbers don't mean anything in terms of how much people can lift.
One of the best indicators of strength that we have is how much a person can lift, squat, curl etc. If a guy is 6'3" and 215 lbs but can only bench 120 lbs 5 times I think you would be justified in questioning his strength. Clearly it isn't the be all and end all as far as evaluation is concerned, but impying that it doesn't mean anything is just plain wrong.
...you realize no one brought up Brandon until you did?
Peppers might be 6 foot but he's most likely shorter, I've stood next to him and he was taller for sure, but not by much. It doesn't change my view of him and it shouldn't change anyone else's. He'll still ball, same with Lewis and hopefully Richardson.
Can't wait to see what he can do.
They're in a D1-class weight lifting program, I think they probably do legs.
He was obviously talking about Wednesdays at BW-3, when they used to have legs for 50 cents. Why they switched it to boneless wings I will never know.
I have the most heterosexual boner right now.
Peppers is what, 17-18? Probably got another half-inch of growth left I'd say.
Dude, everyone stops growing at different ages. When I was in grade 7 I was the tallest kid in class at 5'10" when I was 12. You know how tall I am now? 6'. I hit that height at 14 and didn't grow an inch since. Some people will grow until they're 20 other stop at 15, you just never know.
I'm not sure about measurable sizes, but they certianly look big enough to play corner in the conference.
Wow this is a lot of arguing over 1 and 1/2 inches (insert joke here).
Players on every roster are listed as taller and heavier than they really are. I'm not sure why it's even being talked about. When I see Peppers listed as 6'1 on rivals or mgoblue, I naturally assume he's 5'11 or 6'0. That's plenty tall enough for his position, especially considering his strength. If he were a QB I'd worry a bit.