5/28/2016 football Edit

No. 4: Julius Peppers

One of the greatest athletes ever at UNC, Julius Peppers made many jaw-dropping plays for the Heels.

Andrew Jones • TarHeelIllustrated

Publisher

Andrew Jones has covered sports for 26 years, including all major college & professional sports for daily newspapers & national sites. He's done radio and TV & is entering his seventh year at THI.

No. 4

Name: Julius Peppers

Position: DE

Jersey #: 49

Years: 1999-2001

Honors: First-team All-America in 2000, 1st-team in 2001; Unanimous All-America in 2001; 2001 Lombardi Award; 2001 Bednarik Award; Named the nation’s top 2-sport athlete in 2001 by The Sporting News; Finished 10th in the Heisman balloting; 2-time 1st-team All-ACC; Named to the Freshman All-America team in 1998; Named to the 50-year 50 Greatest ACC Players Ever team.

Notable Stats: 4 led the nation with 15 sacks as a sophomore in 2000 while also setting a school record with 24 tackles for a loss of yardage that season. Career 53 tackles for a loss of yardage and 30.5 sacks.

In Closing: One of the most electrifying players in UNC history, and he never played a snap on offense. Incredibly athletic, a reason he was a solid reserve for two years on the basketball team helping one reach the Final Four and the other win the ACC regular season title, Peppers was unique for his position. A sack artist who could also cover running backs and tights ends in short passing situations.

Intercepted 3 passes as a junior, including a memorable one he returned for a touchdown in a loss at defending national champion Oklahoma. Peppers often occupied multiple blockers, sometimes even as many as three, so even when he wasn’t making plays he was freeing up opportunities for teammates to make plays. This was most especially the case in 2001 when the Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense and reached the Peach Bowl, where they defeated Auburn 16-10. Forced 5 fumbles in his career because he could hit as much as he could chase someone down.

Prior Ranked Heels

30 - Natrone Means

29 - Jack Merritt

28 - Landon Turner

27 - Chris Hanburger

26 - Jeff Saturday

25 - Bob Lacey

24 - Bracey Walker

23 - Ethan Horton

22 - Brian Blados

21 - Leon Johnson

20 - George Barclay