Johnny Jolly attended Forest Brook High School in Houston, Texas where he was a three-time all-district defensive lineman. As a junior, Jolly totaled 85 tackles and recovered five fumbles. As a senior he finished with 95 tackles, leading Forest Brook to a district championship. Jolly was named district MVP for his performance as a senior. He accepted a scholarship to Texas A&M where he totaled 26 tackles and 1 forced fumble as a freshman. He earned a starting job as a sophomore, finishing second on the team in tackles with 94 stops on the year. He also recorded two sacks on the season. As a junior, Jolly started all 12 games for the second consecutive season, totaling 45 tackles and 1 forced fumble on the year. He finished out his career with 64 tackles and a career high 5 sacks as a senior in 2005.

Johnny Jolly has a great deal of experience against top competition, having started for the Texas A&M Aggies for the past three seasons. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player. He is very strong and has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive linemen off the snap of the ball. He sheds blocks well and has good change of direction ability. He will collapse the pocket, but he isn't a great pass rusher and he won't get very many sacks. He has a tendency to play too high at times and he isn't very quick getting to the ballcarrier in the backfield. He lacks great instincts and needs to improve his overall technique to be as effective at the professional level. Johnny Jolly is a versatile player who could project as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 or a defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He should be a second day pick in April.