There are 49 days until college football returns. Today we remember one of the most athletic players in college football history: the Tar Heels’ #49 Julius Peppers.
From 1998 to 2001, Julius Peppers played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His athleticism was so off the charts that he played on both the football and basketball teams. And as good as he was on the hard court, he was even better on the gridiron. As a sophomore, he led the nation in sacks (15). That year he was named first team All-ACC and second team All-American. The following season he was even better. Peppers again made All-ACC and this time was a unanimous All-American. He also took home a bunch of hardware, winning the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player, the Bill Willis Trophy, given to the nation’s best defensive lineman, and the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s best overall lineman.
Peppers finished 2nd on the UNC list of career sack leaders with 30.5. He also racked up 167 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Truly one of the elite athletes in UNC and college football history.
