This is the third year at Blinn College for JT Cleveland following a playing career at Sam Houston State University. Cleveland is the defensive line and run game coordinator for the Buccaneers for the 2017 season. In 2016, he was Blinn's co-defensive coordinator and in 2015 he was the defensive line coach.

Cleveland played on the defensive line at Sam Houston and was voted team captain on the 2011 and 2012 teams. Under Cleveland, Blinn ranked first in conference in points allowed per game in 2015.

Cleveland was named to the Southland Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll in 2009 and 2012 and won multiple all-conference honors. He was named a Phil Steele All-American in 2011 and preseason All-American in 2012. 

Cleveland received a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University in industrial technology with a minor in sociology in May 2013. Cleveland is originally from Baytown, Texas.