DE D.J. Rumph is only in middle school, but will be a name to know

D.J. Rumph is not even in the eighth grade, but he already has a laundry list of accomplishments on his resume.

In a one-year period, Rumph was named camp MVP in seven out of 12 camps. He’s a two-time regional champion and has been a part of two undefeated seasons with the middle school teams at Blessed Trinity Catholic and Milton. Rumph is also a two-time Under Armour Camp invite and was tabbed as a first-team defensive lineman after participating in the FBU National Championship tournament in December.

The achievements are seemingly endless for the defensive lineman out of Alpharetta (Georgia).

On3 spoke with Rumph, his trainer, and his mother, Jessica, about his journey thus far and what lies in store for the talented middle schooler.

Parent Perspective

The process that Rumph embarked on can be overwhelming at times, but his mother is assisting him in every way possible. From getting him to every camp he’s needed to be at to editing videos for him to post on Twitter, Jessica is an active and crucial part of Rumph’s football endeavors.

“One thing about him is that no matter how many calls, MVPs, or other recognitions/invites he receives, he always gives his trophy or medals to his brothers or me,” Jessica said. “And he will go right back to studying film, he’ll hit the gym, or work on his drills. All while holding his 4.0 GPA in advance classes, having his own brand, being an influencer, and having his own non-profit organization. He’s a phenomenal young king with big dreams and an incredible heart. He inspires me to keep fighting.”

Rumph’s journey has required sacrifices. He’s currently juggling football with track practice, while also having to give up basketball and rugby to pursue his dreams.

That work he’s been putting in is slowly paying off as Rumph is already on the radar of multiple Power Five programs.

“They are verbal interest and not official offers since he’s only in the seventh grade,” Jessica said. “But the fact that he’s getting that type of recognition and he just turned 13 is incredible but not surprising knowing the adversity he has had to face and still stayed humble through it all. He allowed it to make him stronger. He gives his 110 percent every time he steps foot on that field.”

Rumph is ready for the recruiting process that lies ahead

With schools expressing interest this early on, offers will pour in for Rumph down the line. There’s even a video on Twitter of him with Georgia Bulldogs special teams coordinator Scott Cochran, with Cochran jokingly saying that Rumph will sign with UGA.

A lot will change once his recruitment officially starts, but Rumph highlighted a few schools he would give a close look at.

“Definitely Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson. Also, Alabama, Stanford, USC (California), Oregon, Texas A&M, and Ohio State,” Rumph said. “I love how everything is set up and how organized it is. I just feel like they have great facilities. They have a lot that their programs can do to prepare me for the pros.”

Rumph is an active kid on and off the field, carving time out of his busy schedule to volunteer at local events. He explained what drives him to make an impact in his community at such an early age.

“I made a website,” Rumph said. “My brothers are included in it. We have our own brand called, ‘Prosperous Athletes.’ It’s about giving back and encouraging kids to give back. It’s just an honor to do it. It feels amazing to do that for those kids who are in need, especially right now.”

Andrew Johnson, Rumph’s trainer, talks about his skill set

After seeing him on Saturday, it’s clear why Rumph is dominating at camp events on a regular basis. He’s got active and fast hands, moves well for someone his age, and his motor never stopped during his training session.

Andrew Johnson, his trainer, broke down what makes Rumph a special talent along the d-line.

“Now, his hand progression is getting a lot better,” Johnson said. “Quicker hands. Good eyes, hands, hips, feet… all that stuff. And he’s long. Long legs, long arms, so I think he’s going to be pretty tall. He’s just growing into his body.

“Other than that, he’s very smart. Very smart young man. That’s going to go a long way for him.”

At 6-foot, 179 pounds, Rumph’s body still has a lot of development to go through. As such, projecting his long-term position and where he’ll excel the most at is an impossible task.

Johnson says that Rumph is currently best suited for rushing the passer off the edge.

“At this point right now, I’m putting him on the edge,” Johnson said. “I want him to rush and get back there with his quickness… he can probably be that standup 3-4 off the edge. Maybe that outside linebacker that can go sideline to sideline.”

Up next, Rumph will participate in the Under Armour Next Camp Series that will be held in Atlanta the last weekend of February. He recently noted on social media that he is still undecided on where he will be playing his eighth grade year of football.

Whatever comes next, the future certainly seems bright for Rumph.