A Talk With MSU’s Long Snapper Taybor Pepper

I asked a couple of questions to sophomore MSU long snapper (and possibly my favorite player) Taybor Pepper. Here’s how it went.

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When did you start playing football? What position did you start your football career at?

I started in 2nd grade as a quarterback all the way through 7th grade.

How did you get your start at long snapper?

In 6th grade we started punting and my dad taught me the basics, I thought it was cool, but I didn’t take it very seriously then.

When did you realize that you were actually a really good long snapper?

10th grade was when I realized I could go to college for it. So then, I guess.

I bet it came as a shock when you started being recruited at long snapper. Did you ever think you could get a scholarship out of this?

Yeah that was always the hope, but I had a really good feeling going into my senior year.

You originally committed to Michigan as a preferred walk-on. Walk us through what it was like when you got an offer from Michigan State.

It was a no-brainer to go to state. State was my first choice through the whole recruiting process. Easy choice.

Did you think you’d end up going to State even though you were committed to Michigan?

No. I would’ve stayed given the circumstances. It’s just an awesome coincidence that state offered me.

Yeah, I’d imagine. Last season you saved the special teams after long snapper Steve Moore was injured. What was it like being thrown right into the action from day one?

It was fun. I knew I could handle the pressure. Mentally I was ready to start from my first day on campus.

On that note, you seem like a mentally player for being such a young starter. You made a few pretty good plays downfield tackles last year on special teams. You don’t see many long snappers do that. What makes you that way?

I’m hungry! I don’t know, I guess I’m quicker than some other long snappers so it’s an advantage.

You are pretty athletic for a long snapper. Do you foresee any other duties in your future at Michigan Sate?

I highly doubt it. It’s not even a thought at this point. It’s fun to think about though.

This is your first year of spring ball. How is it different from fall practices?

It’s a lot of fun to watch everyone compete for jobs. Also, I can tweak different things about my form without worry. I can’t do that during the season, well I can, but you’re not supposed to.

Maybe you can pull a Draymond Green and lobby coach Dantonio to let you play tight end this spring. How does that sound?

I forgot about that! I’ll let my boys Evan [Jones] and Josiah [Price] take over at that spot.

Probably for the best.

For sure.

Thanks for doing this, Taybor. Anything else you’d like to add for Spartan Nation?

Go green and hug your closest Long Snapper today.