Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Vicky Graff Photo)
Sometimes a simple relationship that would be easy to forget about can turn into a significant development.
That’s what happened when Georgia linebacker Jamon “Pops” Dumas-Johnson put his name into the transfer portal and eventually ended up at Kentucky.
He said the “connection and relationship” he had with UK defensive coordinator Brad White “never burned out” even while he was at Georgia helping the Bulldogs win national championships in 2021 and 2022.
“He’s the only coach who sat down for 30 minutes to an hour and just talked ball to see if I really wanted to be at Kentucky,” Dumas-Johnson said. “Going back into the portal drove me here remembering what he did.”
That’s a big deal for Kentucky because he not only played in 38 games at Georgia but started 24, including nine in 2023 despite his foot injury. He had 126 career tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
He was a finalist for the Butkus Award awarded to the nation’s top linebacker in 2022 and was named a first-team All-American by the Sporting News and ESPN. He was a second-team All-America pick by The Associated Press, AFCA and The Athletic. He was the national champion’s second-leading tackler with 70, including nine tackles for loss.
Dumas-Johnson wants to prove to doubters that he can play at that level again.
“People not believing you can do it is just motivation for me. Luckily for me I have seen the best version of me. I just got to get back to it,” he said. “I accomplished everything I could at Georgia. People question why I left Georgia. I accomplished a lot of things. I did a lot of things most people I have been around haven’t done yet. I would say I just want to have more fun with it here at Kentucky.”
He believes White and linebackers coach Mike Stoops will get the best out of him and enable him to reach the NFL where UK has sent other linebackers in recent years. He also believes the UK strength and conditioning staff will be able to do what is necessary to “make sure” he is ready for the NFL after this season.
“I think I will bring that vocal leader here. I am just an alpha. I am not saying they don’t have one but I bring that extra alpha,” Dumas-Johnson said. “It’s important to have two (alphas) instead of one because you control your side of the field. No one has to control everything. You take care of your side.”
He knows he’s new to the UK program but believes his leadership style comes naturally and is not hard for teammates to accept.
“Being a vocal leader or person is just being yourself. It’s easy. Once I got to know the guys, they are cool. You introduce yourself and get rolling,” the new UK linebacker said. “As people realize who you are, it just comes easy if you are the kind of person you really are.”
He said on the field he was “pretty sure you will be hearing me screaming” because that’s who he is and always will be.
“I am coming back from injury so I can’t be what I want to be right now. The guys push hard. they work hard,” he said. “It’s just little details I pick up when things really start going. Just the little things and what I am used to. Not taking nothing off, no breaks for me.”
2 Responses
I think we have a Top 10 defense this year and possibly a Top 5 if our secondary takes a step forward this year. Our line is going to be incredible with Oxendine, Walker, and Silver holding the line down. That’s a 3 headed monster. Then you have Hayes and Rybka rotating giving the line breaks. Throw Henry Young in there and see what Brian Robinson can do early on and we have the deepest line with the most talent I’ve ever seen at Kentucky. We should blitz more this year with all the experience we have. Weaver should put up All American numbers as well it being his 6th year on the team. He might even flirt with the all time most sacks at Kentucky if he had the year I think he will have. Then you have Dumas Johnson who slides right in were Wallace left off then we have Dyerk Jackson who should be one of the linebackers in the SEC this year. That’s 3 capapable All SEC potential players at linebacker and the same goes for the line. Our front 7 will be the best we’ve ever had and one of the best in the nation. I think there will be a couple freshman linebackers who make the push for playing time as well. Expect a big year from Tyrese Fearsby too. He has all the tools to be a great player. Our defensive backs should be a little better this year as well. I see Hairston having another big year for us. I also see JQ Hardaway Taking a big step forward this year. I also think a couple freshman push for some snaps this year in the secondary.
Brings real leadership! He is going to be a great example for what it take. He’s also going to
be a great coach on the sideline as well as on the field. Way to go Coach White as well!