Of all the ways to announce one’s pledge to a college football program, rapping about one’s future is a rather creative one.
Meet Jabrill Peppers. If you haven’t heard of the Paramus (N.J.) Catholic High superstar yet, you probably will when he wears a maize and blue uniform beginning in 2014, assuming he remains loyal to the decision he announced on Sunday.
As noted by the Detroit Free Press, Peppers -- who is among a growing legion of top prep prospects who engage in a side passion of rapping -- announced his commitment to Michigan on Sunday during an interview with ESPN. More notable than the commitment itself (a handful of pundits had already said they expected Peppers, a lifelong Wolverines fan, to pick Michigan) was the way he made the announcement. He rapped about it.
“You see it started as a dream. My Dad planted the seed. Though when I started to sprout he couldn’t be better see. Still I remained focused and transcended the rest all the way through my journey how can you not be impressed. And yes, for those who wait the Lord brings blessings. I had this dream since I was seven, now I’m dream telling. I can see it now. The fans screaming, yelling as I’m walking through that tunnel, wearing a winged helmet.
“Go Blue, baby. I’m going to Michigan.”
Wearing a winged helmet = Michigan. That’s pretty smooth.
As you can see above, Peppers lifted the classic Wolverines helmet as he said “wearing a winged helmet,” which instantly cleared up any potential confusion, though it’s unlikely that there was any. Perhaps more significant in Peppers’ rhymes was the delivery of a positive message without any of the distractions or pitfalls of other recent prep football rappers, former Michigan State signee Jay Harris chief among them.
Peppers is considered one of the top defensive back prospects in the Class of 2014, so his commitment to Michigan brings with it the promise of a bright football future. If he keeps rhyming, he might have plenty of positives to come off the field, as well.
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