Georgia senior outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, confirmed by Dawgs Daily on SI.com after being reported first by UGASports.com.
“He’s opting out, he’s going to transfer, he’ll be in the portal today,” Jermaine’s father Jay said.
Johnson has another year of eligibility granted from the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as do all fall athletes.
This is yet another Dawg to enter the transfer portal this season, joining tight end Kolby Wyatt, offensive lineman Netori Johnson and wide receiver Makiya Tongue. Quarterback D’Wan Mathis also announced that he will be transferring to Temple this Monday.
Johnson was given an opportunity last season by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. Prior to his time with the Dawgs, Johnson attended Independence Community College in Kansas. He was featured in the third season of the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U” before gaining national attention from FBS schools.
Johnson played in all 14 games in 2019, tallying 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. This season he has seen time in seven of nine games, putting up 5 sacks (second most on team) and 11 quarterback pressures. Johnson has started three games this year but wants to explore his options, hoping to find more playing time elsewhere.
“He wants to be able to use his talents,” Johnson’s father said. “Jermaine is a Dawg. He would have loved nothing more than to leave as a Dawg going to the league, but you can’t get to the league without film and the constant rotation for no reason, that’s not going to do it.”
This is a big loss for the Dawgs but Georgia is very deep at the outside linebacker position with Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith and Adam Anderson, so should be able to manage the absence of Johnson.