France expat Jeffrey M’ba looks to refine game following transfer from Auburn to Purdue

Purdue got a big commitment–literally and physically–this week when Jeffrey M’ba pledged to the Boilermakers.

The Auburn defensive lineman committed to Purdue on Tuesday, looking to bolster an interior of a line that lacks depth.

“I’m a big body,” he said.

M’ba is the third portal defensive lineman Purdue has landed, joining Vanderbilt’s Malik Langham and Arkansas’ Isaiah Nichols.

Part of the allure to Purdue for M’ba was the presence of former Independence Community College teammate Prince Boyd, a Boilermaker d-lineman.

“He had good things to say,” said M’ba. “They just want us to be great. And I felt that. It was easy to choose Purdue.”

While at Independence C.C., in Kansas, M’ba was rated the No. 1 junior college player in the nation. He tallied 50 tackles and 15 TFLs in two seasons at Independence C.C. Then, the 6-6, 305-pound native of Libreville, Gabon, matriculated to Auburn, where he played last season.

Now, M’ba is on the move again, heading to Purdue. He’s not sure when he’ll arrive, but he’s eager.

“This is a great opportunity,” he said through a French accent. “I can’t wait to get started.”

MORE: Purdue transfer portal tracker

Who M’ba compares himself to is telling: Francis Ngannou, a 6-4, 260-pound UFC fighter from Cameroon.

“Technically, I’m still learning,” said M’ba. “It’s not hard for me to move o-linemen. I try to use my strength to control people, you know?”

M’ba came to football late. While playing soccer, a teammate encouraged him to try football. Soon enough, M’ba was playing in France for the Pionniers de Touraine

“When I started to play, I felt like I had to make it,” he said. “I felt like I was big enough. I’ve been playing football about four years. I was 17 when I started, playing in a small town for a club team. But I didn’t start playing real football til I got to JUCO.”

When M’ba first put on pads in France, did he dominate?

“It wasn’t hard for me,” he said. “I learned the rules while playing. I didn’t know. They just told me what to do.”

See ball, get ball.

“And as an offensive lineman, they told me who to block.”

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