Jermaine Kelly


Jermaine Elliott Kelly Jr. is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for San Jose State and Washington. Kelly had 26 tackles and one fumble recovery as a junior. In 2017, he recorded 53 tackles, one sack and one interception. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Early years

Kelly was born in San Bernardino, California and raised in Los Angeles. While playing high school football at Salesian High School, Kelly was an ESPN three-star recruit who received offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Hawaii, Houston, Memphis, Minnesota, Northern Colorado, UCLA, USC, Utah, UTEP, and Washington. On January 7, 2013, Kelly committed to play for Washington.

College career

After his second year at the University of Washington, Kelly transferred to San Jose State. Kelly transferred due to family obligations and a history of injuries that prevented him from playing to his full potential.
After redshirting the 2015 season, Kelly played for the San Jose State Spartans from 2016 to 2017. In 25 games, Kelly had 17 starts and made 79 tackles, one interception, and 12 passes defended. His only interception was a 68-yard touchdown return in the September 23, 2017 game against Utah State, a 61-10 loss.

Professional career

Houston Texans

Kelly was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round, 222nd overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was placed on injured reserve on September 3, 2018.
On August 16, 2019, Kelly was waived/injured by the Texans and placed on injured reserve. He was waived on August 24.

San Francisco 49ers

On December 11, 2019, Kelly was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. He re-signed with the 49ers on February 5, 2020. He was waived on July 28, 2020.