Saturday Provides Big Opportunity for Jamison
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 6, 2025, 5:36 PM
LATROBE, Pa. — “I like that one-seven!”
Mike Tomlin’s voice sliced through the training camp air, a bolt of energy aimed at No. 17 D’Shawn Jamison after the second-year Steelers defensive back effortlessly knifed through open-field drills with a fluidity that made even seasoned pros pause. It wasn’t just a compliment. It was a moment. And for Jamison or “Jamo” as he’s known around the locker room it was a long time coming.
“We’ve been doing that since last season,” Jamison said, referring to the signature one-on-one open field sessions where players are exposed, and the ones with juice tend to shine. “I’ve always wanted to make myself stand out in that drill. So, him just saying that? He just hypes me up every time.”
The former Texas Longhorn didn’t play a single snap in a real game last season. Cut by the Panthers on August 28th, 2023, Jamison spent the entire year stashed away on the Steelers’ practice squad watching, learning, and waiting.
“That was my first time ever taking a whole year off football,” he admitted. “It was a learning lesson. But right now? I’m just fired up to get out there.”
He’ll get his chance this Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, his first live action against another team in over a year. But if his camp performance so far is any indicator, the layoff did nothing to dull his instincts or signature burst.
What separates Jamison and always has is his quickness and agility. It’s in his DNA, going all the way back to Pop Warner.
“It’s always been like that, all the way through high school,” Jamison smiled. “In college, I was one of the best at what I did on kickoff returns, but in high school and before, I was that guy both sides of the ball, making touchdowns, making plays.”
Now, the NFL is getting glimpses of that again. His footwork in coverage has been solid, and his newfound comfort at nickel has turned heads within the defensive staff.
“This is my first time really honing in at nickel,” Jamison said. “I just have really good instincts there. That’s what I want to stand out now.”
And while the explosion and agility have always been his calling cards, J’Mo is focused on rounding out his game.
As if the internal fire wasn’t enough, Jamison walks into camp each day with a little extra motivation he’s sharing a field with stars he used to study: Jalen Ramsey, Darius “Big Play” Slay, and DeShon Elliott, a longtime friend and fellow Texas product.
“It’s amazing. I never knew I’d be able to play alongside Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott a guy I’ve known for 10 years. It’s a blessing, man. I just want to make those guys proud, go out there, do my job, and help the team win.”
Nicknamed “J’Mo” since his Texas days, his presence this camp is louder than ever not because he’s yelling, but because he’s backing up every movement with intent and production. The fans might not know his name yet, but Mike Tomlin does. And on a roster stacked with proven vets and Pro Bowlers, that’s a damn good start.
After a year of waiting, J’Mo’s moment is coming.
So yeah, go ahead and bitch about preseason football if you want but the part of me that believes in the grind sees something else entirely. I see guys like J’Mo, clawing for every rep, playing like it’s their last shot, because sometimes, it really is.
There’s beauty in that desperation. There’s heart in that hustle.
And if Jamison keeps flashing the way he has, keeps catching the eye of Mike Tomlin, who knows? That praise might turn into playing time. And even if it’s another year on the practice squad, that’s still a win still a seat at the table, still a dream kept alive.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
