James Jahnke

Detroit Free Press

Michigan safety-turned-linebacker Jabrill Peppers has been voted the preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year by league media.

Peppers edged out Iowa cornerback and Detroit native Desmond King in polling conducted by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Peppers received 13 first-place votes and 65 voting points from a 39-writer panel representing every Big Ten market. Detroit Free Press reporter Mark Snyder was one of the voters.

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was voted preseason offensive player of the year.

Earlier today, the same poll named the Buckeyes the conference favorite, with Michigan and Michigan State voted second and third in the East Division. MSU defensive tackle Malik McDowell was third in the defensive voting, getting four first-place votes. Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis was fifth, with two first-place votes. U-M lineman Chris Wormley got one third-place vote.

U-M tight end Jake Butt got one first-place vote for offensive player of the year and was tied for sixth overall. MSU running back LJ Scott and U-M receiver Jehu Chesson tied for ninth with three voting points apiece.

Voters were asked for a top three, with three points awarded for a first-place vote, two for second and one for third.

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett, 110 (34)

2. Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, 48 (3)

3. Iowa QB C.J. Beathard, 33

4. Northwestern RB Justin Jackson, 11

5. Wisconsin RB Corey Clement, 9

6. Michigan TE Jake Butt, 5 (1)

6. Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong, 5

8. Indiana G Dan Feeney, 4 (1)

9. Michigan State RB L.J. Scott, 3

10. Michigan WR Jehu Chesson, 3

11. Ohio State C Pat Elflein, 2

12. Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel, 1

PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Michigan LB Jabrill Peppers, 65 (13)

2. Iowa CB Desmond King, 60 (16)

3. Michigan State DL Malik McDowell, 35 (4)

4. Ohio State LB Raekwon McMillan, 33 (2)

5. Michigan CB Jourdan Lewis, 21 (2)

6. Northwestern LB Anthony Walker Jr., 18 (2)

7. Michigan DE Chris Wormley, 1

8. Maryland CB William Likely, 1