Max Cohen

Special to the Free Press

The strong-side linebacker position in new Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown’s unit is a spot that, theoretically, has a high degree of difficulty. Whoever earns that spot on the field is tasked with multiple and diverse responsibilities.

But learning the position hasn’t been particularly difficult for Michigan redshirt sophomore Jabrill Peppers, who moved to linebacker after primarily playing safety last season.

“He’s already picked it up,” Brown said Tuesday. “He’s playing at a high level there, so I’m happy with him. From a coverage standpoint, it’s everything we expected. I think he’s picked up the linebacker pieces of it pretty well as well.”

Brown estimated that Peppers is spending about 70% of his time at his new linebacker spot but said that number could increase as the team moves forward during the season and works on opponent-based packages.

Offensive coordinator Tim Drevno said Tuesday that Peppers hasn’t spent any time with the offense this spring but noted that that could come in the future, as it did on many occasions late last season.

And if the variety of responsibilities prevents Peppers from receiving every snap at strong-side linebacker, Michigan’s defense will still be able to function. When Peppers isn’t practicing at the position, redshirt sophomore Noah Furbush steps in. Brown said Furbush can’t do everything Peppers does but can do enough to keep the unit running.

Brown has had a great deal of success molding players at the spot. He noted Wednesday that the last three players he has used at the position reached the NFL.

“You expect a lot at that spot, so we’re going to get what we expect, there’s no question,” Brown said.

But if fans are hoping to get a glimpse of everything Peppers will do in Brown’s defense in Friday’s spring game, they will be disappointed. For now, Brown prefers to keep the full extent of Peppers’ responsibilities under wraps.

“You won’t see it on display Friday, that’s for sure,” Brown said. “But he’s doing enough stuff that keeps his plate full, there’s no question about that.”

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