Jamon Dumas-Johnson Kentucky LB Makes Immediate Impact in Spring Practice
Jamon Dumas-Johnson is one of the most intriguing linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. After three productive seasons at Georgia, the senior transferred to Kentucky. At Kentucky, he continues to showcase his versatility as both an inside and outside linebacker. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 245 pounds, Dumas-Johnson projects as a high-floor prospect. NFL scouts rank him as the 21st best linebacker in the upcoming draft class. They do so largely due to his combination of coverage skills and run-stopping ability.
What makes Dumas-Johnson particularly valuable is his athletic profile. With a reported 4.50 forty time and 78½” wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to excel at the next level. His experience is equally impressive, having played in 49 career games with 34 starts between his time at Georgia and Kentucky. The Hyattsville, Maryland native brings championship pedigree and proven production to a Kentucky defense that has consistently produced NFL talent.
The senior linebacker’s sudden bursts and ability to play effectively in space separate him from many of his peers. NFL teams seeking a day-one contributor who can handle multiple linebacker roles will find Dumas-Johnson’s skill set particularly appealing. His adaptability in different defensive schemes suggests he won’t just make an NFL roster – he could become a defensive cornerstone for years to come.
Contents
Background
Jamon Dumas-Johnson has established himself as one of college football’s premier linebackers through his development at Georgia and his transfer to Kentucky. His journey from high school standout to SEC defensive anchor showcases his talent and determination.
Early Career and Recruitment
Dumas-Johnson emerged as a four-star recruit from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he helped lead the team to an impressive 11-1 record during his junior season. The Maryland native quickly caught scouts’ attention with his combination of football IQ and physical play.
Standing 6’1″ and weighing 245 pounds, Dumas-Johnson possessed the ideal frame for a modern linebacker. His recruitment heated up as powerhouse programs recognized his potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Several top-tier programs pursued Dumas-Johnson, but Georgia ultimately secured his commitment. Born November 28, 2001, in Hyattsville, Maryland, he brought a northeastern toughness to the SEC that would serve him well.
Commitment to College Football
Dumas-Johnson’s college career began at Georgia, where he played in 49 games with 34 starts over three seasons. His development was methodical but impressive, starting as a special teams contributor before earning a more significant defensive role.
During his freshman season in 2021, he appeared in 14 games, recording 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 quarterback sacks while contributing to Georgia’s national championship run.
As his career progressed, Dumas-Johnson became a defensive cornerstone for the Bulldogs before making the decision to transfer to Kentucky for his senior season. His SEC experience makes him particularly valuable to NFL scouts.
| Season | School | Games | Starts | Solo Tackles | Total Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Georgia | 11 | 10 | 34 | 51 | 3.5 |
| 2022 | Georgia | 15 | 15 | 44 | 70 | 4.0 |
| 2021 | Georgia | 14 | 0 | 13 | 22 | 2.0 |
The linebacker currently projects as a day three NFL draft prospect with upside based on his proven production against elite competition.
Collegiate Career at Kentucky
After three successful seasons at Georgia, Jamon Dumas-Johnson transferred to Kentucky in 2023, bringing championship experience and defensive prowess to the Wildcats’ linebacker corps. His move to Lexington marked a significant addition to Kentucky’s defense, where he quickly established himself as a cornerstone player.
Statistical Overview
Dumas-Johnson’s statistical contributions at Kentucky have been impressive. After transferring from Georgia, he made an immediate impact in the Wildcats’ defense. During his first season with Kentucky, he accumulated significant defensive numbers despite dealing with injury challenges.
| Statistic | Kentucky Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 10 |
| Total Tackles | 42 |
| Solo Tackles | 27 |
| Tackles for Loss | 5.5 |
| Sacks | 2.0 |
| Pass Breakups | 3 |
His production has been consistent when healthy, averaging just over 4 tackles per game. Dumas-Johnson’s ability to diagnose plays and react quickly has made him one of the most reliable defensive players for the Wildcats.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his instinctive play, projecting him as a potential mid-round selection with room to rise based on his senior season performance.
Sophomore Season Highlights
Dumas-Johnson’s sophomore campaign at Kentucky featured several standout performances that showcased his versatility and football IQ. Against SEC competition, he registered a season-high 9 tackles against Tennessee, including 1.5 tackles for loss.
His impact extended beyond traditional statistics. Dumas-Johnson demonstrated exceptional gap discipline and sideline-to-sideline pursuit that rarely shows up in the box score but consistently disrupted opposing offenses.
A particularly noteworthy performance came against Mississippi State, where he recorded 7 tackles, a sack, and forced a crucial fumble that changed the momentum of the game. His ability to execute defensive coordinator Brad White’s schemes has been invaluable.
The linebacker’s football intelligence has allowed Kentucky to deploy multiple defensive looks, often with Dumas-Johnson making pre-snap adjustments for the front seven.
Leadership and Team Contribution
Despite being relatively new to the Kentucky Wildcats program, Dumas-Johnson quickly emerged as a defensive leader. His championship experience at Georgia translated to immediate respect in the locker room.
Teammates and coaches frequently cite his communication skills as a significant asset. Dumas-Johnson consistently ensures the defense is properly aligned before each snap, essentially serving as an extension of the coaching staff on the field.
His mentorship of younger linebackers has accelerated their development, creating a stronger overall linebacker unit. During practice sessions, he’s often seen working with freshmen on tackling techniques and film study habits.
The impact of Dumas-Johnson extends to the cultural aspect of Kentucky football. His work ethic and professional approach have set a standard for the entire defense.
“He brings a championship mentality to everything we do,” noted one defensive coach. “From meetings to practice to game day, his approach never changes.”
Player Profile
Jamon Dumas-Johnson has established himself as a formidable presence at linebacker, bringing SEC experience and playmaking ability to Kentucky after transferring from Georgia. His physical attributes and football intelligence have positioned him as a notable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Playing Style and Position Analysis
At 6’1″ and 245 pounds, Dumas-Johnson operates primarily as an inside linebacker with the versatility to play multiple roles in defensive schemes. His frame provides the perfect balance between size and mobility needed for the modern linebacker position.
Dumas-Johnson excels at reading offensive schemes and reacting quickly to developing plays. His football IQ allows him to diagnose run plays effectively and position himself to make tackles in the box.
In coverage, he demonstrates sufficient ability to drop back and handle zone responsibilities, though this isn’t his primary strength. His experience at Georgia in a complex defensive system has prepared him well for Kentucky’s defensive schemes.
His wingspan of 78½ inches helps him wrap up ball carriers and shed blocks effectively. NFL scouts particularly appreciate his ability to navigate traffic between the tackles.
Strengths and Skills
Dumas-Johnson’s tackle production has been impressive, recording 39 solo tackles this season for Kentucky. His ability to find the ball carrier through traffic is elite.
His pass-rushing capabilities have developed nicely, registering 3.5 sacks in the current season and showing good timing on blitz packages. He’s also forced a fumble, demonstrating his knack for creating turnovers.
| Stat Category | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Solo Tackles | 39 |
| Sacks | 3.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
Dumas-Johnson is particularly effective against the run and possesses the athleticism to play in space when needed. His suddenness and change-of-direction ability stand out on film.
NFL draft analysts currently project him as a middle-round selection with the potential to rise. His experience across 49 career games with 34 starts between Georgia and Kentucky provides the kind of battle-tested resume NFL teams covet.
Career Prospects
Jamon Dumas-Johnson’s path to the NFL features a solid foundation built at both Georgia and Kentucky. His versatility, football IQ, and proven SEC experience have positioned him well for the next level.
NFL Draft Potential
Dumas-Johnson currently projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Georgia to Kentucky, he’s established himself as the 21st ranked linebacker with a solid 78.0 draft grade. His 4.50 forty time demonstrates the athleticism NFL teams covet at the position.
What makes “Pop” (his nickname) intriguing is his championship pedigree from Georgia combined with his productive final season at Kentucky. Scouts particularly value his coverage skills and football intelligence.
| Draft Metrics | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rank | #21 LB |
| Draft Grade | 78.0 |
| Projected Round | 4-5 |
| Forty Time | 4.50 |
His ceiling could rise with strong pre-draft workouts, though concerns about his run defense need addressing.
Comparative Analysis with Peers
When stacked against other SEC linebackers in this draft class, Dumas-Johnson holds his own with a distinctive skill set. Unlike some peers who excel solely against the run or in coverage, his versatility stands out.
Former Georgia teammates CJ Allen and current Kentucky teammate Trevin Wallace offer interesting comparisons. While Allen might be more physically imposing, Dumas-Johnson’s experience (having played in 49 career games with 34 starts) gives him an edge in football maturity.
His instincts in zone coverage exceed many contemporaries, though he doesn’t possess the sideline-to-sideline range of the draft’s elite linebackers.
What separates him is championship experience. Few prospects can match his national championship pedigree from Georgia combined with SEC battle-testing.
College to Professional Transition
Dumas-Johnson’s transition to the NFL should be relatively smooth. He has experience in sophisticated defensive schemes at both Georgia and Kentucky. His intelligence and ability to diagnose plays quickly will translate well.
The biggest adjustment will come against the run. He’ll need to refine his techniques to shed NFL-caliber blockers more effectively. While his coverage skills project well, NFL offenses will test his change-of-direction abilities.
Durability isn’t a significant concern, as he’s shown resilience throughout his college career. His leadership qualities suggest he could call defensive signals early in his NFL career.
Teams with zone-heavy schemes will likely value him more highly. The four-star prospect from Maryland has proven he can elevate his game against top competition, a trait that often predicts NFL success.
Coaching Influence
Jamon Dumas-Johnson’s development as a linebacker has been significantly shaped by the coaches who have guided his career path. Their influence has molded his playing style, football IQ, and leadership abilities on the field.
Mentorship Under Mark Stoops
Mark Stoops has been instrumental in Dumas-Johnson’s evolution at Kentucky. After transferring from Georgia, “Pop” became the 13th player under Stoops to accept an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Stoops immediately recognized Dumas-Johnson’s potential as a defensive anchor. The 6-1, 245-pound linebacker from Hyattsville, Maryland brought championship experience to a Kentucky program hungry for defensive leadership.
What separates Dumas-Johnson under Stoops’ guidance is his ability to diagnose plays and communicate effectively with teammates. Stoops’ defensive philosophy emphasizes disciplined gap control and anticipation—both strengths in Dumas-Johnson’s arsenal.
NFL scouts have noted how Stoops’ system has showcased Dumas-Johnson’s versatility, particularly in run support and blitz packages, making him a solid mid-to-late round draft prospect.
Impact of Kirby Smart’s Coaching
Before Kentucky, Dumas-Johnson’s foundation was built under Kirby Smart at Georgia. This championship pedigree is evident in his play—he was part of two national championship teams during his tenure with the Bulldogs.
Smart’s defensive system, known for producing NFL-caliber linebackers, taught Dumas-Johnson the fundamentals of elite linebacker play. The aggressive, attacking style molded at Georgia remains evident in his playing style at Kentucky.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin recognized this influence, noting that Dumas-Johnson “made a total difference” for Kentucky’s defense with his mentality—a direct result of Smart’s coaching.
This dual coaching influence has created a linebacker with championship experience and tactical awareness rarely found in college prospects. NFL teams value this combination of high-level coaching influences when evaluating Dumas-Johnson’s readiness for the professional level.
Transitory Phases and Future Directions
Jamon Dumas-Johnson’s career trajectory reflects significant transitions that have shaped his development as a linebacker. His journey from Georgia to Kentucky represents a pivotal shift in his collegiate path, while his professional aspirations continue to evolve.
Transfer Portal and Decisions
Dumas-Johnson’s decision to enter the transfer portal after the 2023 season marked a defining moment in his college career. The former Georgia linebacker committed to Kentucky, offering the Wildcats a potential replacement for NFL-bound Trevin Wallace.
The move wasn’t made lightly. After contributing to Georgia’s back-to-back National Championship runs, Dumas-Johnson sought a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents and leadership abilities.
Kentucky secured a major victory in the transfer market, adding the top-ranked linebacker and 13th-best overall player in the portal as part of their early signing day haul.
For Coach Mark Stoops, landing Dumas-Johnson represented a significant defensive reinforcement, bringing championship pedigree and SEC experience to the Wildcats’ linebacker corps.
Long-term Career Ambitions
Dumas-Johnson’s prospects in the NFL continue to strengthen as he develops at Kentucky. The 6’1″, 246-pound linebacker displays numerous attributes that attract professional scouts.
His pre-draft measurements highlight his compact, powerful frame:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 246 lbs |
| Hand | 9¼” |
| Arm | 32″ |
| Wingspan | 78½” |
Scouts particularly value Dumas-Johnson’s ability to play in space while remaining effective against the run. His suddenness, direction-changing ability, and quick reaction time make him a versatile defensive weapon.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Dumas-Johnson’s performance in his senior season at Kentucky will significantly impact his draft position. Current projections place him as a potential day two selection with room to rise into the first round with continued development.