The Florida Gators will lose several players at defensive tackles after this year and the coaching staff is looking to land some prospects in the 2022 class to fill those spots.
Last week, the Gators offered JUCO defensive tackle Jeffrey M’ba (6-6, 305, France, Independence JUCO) after he talked to one of the Gators’ assistant coaches.
“Coach [David] Turner was the one,” M’ba said on who offered him from Florida. “He said that he needed a versatile guy on the line like me.”
M’Ba was offered by the Gators out of high school but he says he hasn’t heard from Florida much until last month.
“I was really happy about it,” he said on what the offer means to him. “I didn’t really expect it because to be honest I’ve only talked to Coach Kelvin Bolden for one week now but other than that I talked to Coach [John] Hevesy last month.”
Defensive line coach David Turner explained to M’ba just how he would fit into the Gators’ defense if he was to pick Florida.
“So, they told me that they want to play me like Zach Carter,” M’ba said on where Turner wants him to play. “They want me to play all around the line because I’m big but fast too and they like my versatility. Because Zach is leaving this year, they have a big need inside.”
M’ba hasn’t met Turner yet but he likes what he knows about the Gators’ assistant coach so far.
“I feel like he’s a technician,” he said on what he knows about Turner. “He’s the type of coach I need if I want to go to the next level. I can’t wait to meet him.”
M’ba was teammates with current Florida defensive lineman Lamar Goods so he has interest in the Gators and likes Florida.
“I mean I’m very interested, I’m just sad the offer came this late after my visit to Miami,” M’ba said on his interest in Florida. “I really liked them since I was in high school when I began to talk to them. We’ve talked for a long time now.”
Next up for M’ba will be another official visit and he hopes to make it down to Gainesville for a visit as well.
“Yes, I really think I will,” he said on if he plans to visit Florida. “I visited Miami and I plan to visit Michigan for an official visit on the 27th.”
INSIDERS TAKE: M’ba plans on signing in December so he will have to visit Florida soon.