The Kentucky Wildcats finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. They went 3-5 in conference games and finished 5th in the SEC East. Their defense allowed an average of 352.4 yards and 24.8 points per game, 59th out of 133 schools.
Kentucky landed an elite linebacker from the transfer portal.
Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker announced his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats on Instagram
Jamon Dumas-Johnson announced on Instagram that he transferred to Kentucky for the 2024 season and has one year of eligibility left.
The Former Georgia Bulldog committed to Georgia in 2021
Dumas-Johnson committed to Georgia as a four-star recruit for the 2021 season. He played on special teams and was a backup on defense in his true freshman season. He had 21 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, two sacks, one pick-six, and one pass deflection.
Dumas-Johnson took over as the starter in his sophomore season and was the team’s second-leading tackler. He had 70 tackles, nine for a loss, four sacks, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award, a 1st Team All-American by Sporting News and ESPN, a 2nd Team All-American and 2nd Team All-SEC by the Associated Press.
Due to an injury, Dumas-Johnson was limited to nine games in his junior season. He had 34 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. He missed four games due to a left forearm fracture.
Dumas-Johnson officially entered the transfer portal on December 15.
Kentucky’s best linebacker declared for the draft and more could follow
Kentucky is expected to lose a few LBs to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Star linebacker Trevin Wallace recently declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Wallace is one of Kentucky’s best defensive players. He had 69 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble this season, and 155 tackles, 17 for a loss, nine sacks, three interceptions, one pass deflection, and two forced fumbles in his three-year career.
J.J. Weaver is another linebacker who is expected to declare for the draft. Weaver is a pass rusher who recorded 40 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, five sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble this season, and 160 tackles, 30.5 for a loss, 15 sacks, two interceptions, seven pass deflections, and four forced fumbles in his five-year career.
D’Eryk Jackson hasn’t announced his future but could also declare for the draft as well. Jackson led the team in tackles this season. He had 81 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, one pick-six, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble this season, and 170 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, one sack, four interceptions, one pick-six, five pass deflections, and one forced fumble in his four-year career.
Why does this move matter?
Jamon Dumas-Johnson transferring to Kentucky matters because he brings depth to the linebacker position. Since Wallace declared for the draft, Kentucky needed to replace him with someone with starting experience. Dumas-Johnson is the perfect fit because he was the starter on Georgia’s elite defense.
Finally, Dumas-Johnson transferring to Kentucky matters because he’s elite. Not only does Kentucky get experience with Dumas-Johnson, but an elite player.
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