
JT Kouame-Yao brings rangy, proven linebacker production to JMU
A fifth-year linebacker for James Madison, JT Kouame-Yao looks like a smart fit for a defense that wants production and toughness: in the 2024 season at Shepherd, he posted 62 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception, after a 2023 season with 71 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 1 sack. He’s a veteran transfer with college-tested instincts, backfield disruption and enough versatility to play downhill without disappearing in coverage. The catch? His 2025 JMU role was limited, so this is a “trust the upside and the résumé” pickup rather than a flashy stat-line machine.





