The first time Inside the Gators updated defensive lineman Jeffrey M'ba was back in April 2019 when Florida offensive line coach John Hevesy visited his high school during the spring evaluation period.
At that time, even though he had never visited Florida, he had the Gators in his top three along with Tennessee and Virginia.
He eventually committed to the Cavaliers but never made it to campus.
Two and a half years later, he is at Independence (Ks.) C.C. and just received a new offer from UF.
I am thankful to have receive a scholarship from the university of Florida !!!!!!!!#GoGators @coachdt48|| @Abed_Bks pic.twitter.com/IMOVjvDouy
— character locked. (@jeffrey_mbaa) October 24, 2021
Joining Florida on his offer list just this month alone are the likes of Auburn, Miami, Michigan, NC State, Oregon, and Tennessee among others.
This week Hevesy handed off his recruiting responsibilities to UF defensive tackle coach David Turner.
"I think that was with Coach Hevesy I talked to and saw in high school," explained M'ba. "A couple of days go Coach Turner offered me. He said he needed a defensive tackle who is versatile like me inside. Someone fast, who can play inside and outside."
The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder took an official visit to Miami last weekend and has one set to Michigan at the end of November and wants to take one to Southern Cal.
That leaves two unaccounted for official visits.
Where will he go?
"I don’t know yet, but I will figure it out."
Florida not only was one of the first programs involved with him way back when, but the Gators have the added advantage of having a former teammate on the current squad.
"I played with Lamar [Goods] at STM [St. Thomas Moore] and I really liked playing with him," said M'ba. "He told me that a great place it is to be and a place where I can play football. He is in love with the place."
With new offers arriving daily, M'ba said he doesn't have a leader or leaders.
"To be honest, I don’t have any yet."
The Inside Scoop: It's going to take getting him on campus for Florida to be a player for him, and with him graduating in December, the Gators are up against the clock. He had really had good things to say about his UM official visit, but that could be due to it being his first one. We're in a wait-and-see mode here, but having Goods in his ear definitely, helps, but to what degree?