James Dumas
Defensive Tackle / Bowie State

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

James Dumas:  6’3, 295 and I plan on running low 4.8.  

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

James Dumas:  I am currently training by Towson MD.  Had some experiences with other trainers, but my trainer Josh A. knows my body and helped me prepare for the HBCU spirit of America Bowl.

 

Alex Khvatov:  When is your Pro Day?

 

James Dumas:  Friday, March 27th, 2020. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

 

James Dumas:  Multiple schools showed interest, I only played one year of high school football, which was my senior year.  I was a basketball player at first until I transferred to Friendship Colligate Academy.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Central Connecticut State?

 

James Dumas:  I made the decision to attend CCSU because I wanted to make a difference.  The team had a losing record and just got a new coaching staff, and I wanted to be a part of that change.  It’s easy to go to a winning team, but going to a team where you have to earn everything, you get what’s important to you.  After meeting guys like Randall Laguerre, Joey Fields and Jake Dolegala who was my roommate freshman year, I knew I made the right decision.  We ended up winning a championship and having an undefeated conference season.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Bowie State?

 

James Dumas:  My head coach was deciding to leave, I was on track to graduate and could pursue my masters. My family also played a huge part.  I’m from Washington, D.C and my family had only been to one game at CCSU.  My father is currently dealing with health issues, so having the opportunity to play in front of them and make them proud was extremely important to me.  Coach Sewell at Bowie State is my favorite type of coach.  He’s passionate and knows the game on another level.  He instilled that Bowie pride in me, and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of Bowie State’s program.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

James Dumas:  I am very instinctive, football smart and have good hands.  I have the ability to read hands, being disruptive, good feet and overall explosive agility. When the big games come and everything is on the line, my play rises to another level.  The passion and drive are always there, day in and day out.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

James Dumas:  I want to constantly get better at everything.  My trainer and I worked on having explosive movements, stability, and body control.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

 

James Dumas:  My overall career has been a blessing.  Winning two conference

championships is something a lot of NCAA players don’t get the chance to experience.  Being able to bring my skill and passion to established environments, just learn and grow has really advanced my career.  I’ve always loved the game of football.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

James Dumas:  The highlight of my career is seeing my teammates have success.  Watching someone you worked with and grind through stuff be successful and make plays has always been a highlight for me.  When you’re out there, you see it for yourself, but to see it from another perspective is invigorating.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

 

James Dumas:  Winning two rings and conference championships.  One at Bowie State and one at Central Connecticut.  Along with enrolling in my Master’s Program at Bowie State and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.  Being able to excel in football and academics is a blessing.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?

 

James Dumas:  Bowie taught me being dominant and the level of greatness that a program needs.  Every game means more, the culture and its history behind it.  Central Connecticut coaching staff taught me coming from the bottom, getting on top and still working hard.  It was a journey.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

 

James Dumas:  Having good hands and being disruptive.  If you have those things, you can get paid.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

James Dumas:  I’m from Washington, D.C. so I naturally lean toward the Washington Redskins.  A lot of my teammates like the Ravens, so I lean toward them too.  But I really just enjoy football and like to watch certain players.  My favorite player to tune into this year on defense was Maxx Crosby for the Raiders.  We come from similar backgrounds, and he’s doing what I want to achieve.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

James Dumas:  My favorite player to watch is obviously Aaron Donald, one the best DT’s of all-time.  It speaks for itself.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

 

James Dumas:  Formations tell you what play might come.  You can tell the play from offensive linemen or other players.  For example, if the running back is deep or he’s wide almost right behind the tackle.  If the guard is sitting back, you can expect a power or a counter play.  If the tackles are low and have their legs far back, you know they can be trying to kick fast and get depth.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

James Dumas:  I would have to put the whole roster down if I was being honest.  It’s so many good football players who can make a play at any moment.  I love all my teammates.  I can’t pinpoint one guy.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

 

James Dumas:  Donald Boone, OT from Chowan.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

James Dumas:  The competition, you against the next man.  May the best one win.  I win a lot.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

James Dumas:  Someone who sets the example and allows the coaches to install some trust in you to lead guys and keep everybody focused on one goal “team success”.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

James Dumas:  I enjoy being creative and I plan on doing multiple things.  I gained an interest in YouTube and designing some things like clothes.  These things have sparked my interest recently.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

 

James Dumas:  Give back to others and build multiple forms of revenue and explore my interest.  I believe life is what you make it.  Help my community and try to make the world a better place.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

James Dumas:  Prolific, passionate, motivated, spiritual and family-oriented.