Speed, strength and determination are an essential combination for any athlete, rarely are all three obtained. But for Jabrill Peppers, he has the full package and these three keys are his ticket to fame.
Jabrill Peppers a junior at Paramus Catholic High School and may be the finest football player to come out of New Jersey in decades. At 6’1”and 205 pounds, the hometown hero from East Orange has high expectations for the years to come.
Peppers started off his high school career at the prestigious Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey where he spent his freshman and sophomore year. While there he racked up first team honors in state, county and conference. He also received the honors of National Freshman of the Year and National Sophomore of the Year. 
This past year Peppers transferred to Paramus Catholic and lit up the scoreboard for the Paladins. He racked up 1552 yards rushing along with 18 rushing touchdowns after 172 carries. He collected various awards and was honored as an Under-Armour Junior All-American. He has received athletic scholarships from multiple Division I powerhouse teams. After viewing his options he made the decision on Sunday May 26, 2013, Peppers committed to Michigan University where he will play his collegiate ball as a Wolverine. His greatest accomplishment this year may be bringing home a state championship against national powerhouse Bergen Catholic. This was the first time Paramus Catholic won a state title in the Non-Public Group IV and its first sectional title since 1997.
Pepper’s has not had an easy road though. His older brother, Don Curtis, was murdered in East Orange, from being shot in the face at a restaurant. His father was taken away from him ten years ago. Jabrill to this day still does not know what his father did, but he longs to be reunited with his father one day. Living in such a depressed area has taught him adversity and to overcome substantial challenges.
His athletic abilities don’t stop on the gridiron; he is also a superstar on the court and track. Recently, during his spring track campaign, he blew away the competition in the 100 and 200 meter dash. He was just hundredths of a second away from breaking a state record. His spectacular speed has made him a household name in New Jersey, as well as across the country.
With one more year to go, this upcoming senior doesn’t have much else to accomplish within the realm of high school football, but there is no doubt he will continue to play with fire and passion until the very end.
