Kickoff is two hours away, and we’ve got two key players remaining.
Jayden Dixon-Veal
Senior
Rancho Cucamonga, California (College of San Mateo)
Wide Receiver
6’0”, 190
2024 Projection: Contributor
Dixon-Veal was an emergency pick up for the Boilermakers in the last recruiting class after Marshall transfer Corey Gammage backed out of his commitment to Purdue June and headed to UCF (where his stat line was an impressive DNP 0-0 on the season). After Gammage defected, Ryan Walters and company flipped Dixon-Veal from Oregon State. That ended being an advantageous trade for the Boilers, with Gammage riding the pine in Orlando and Dixon-Veal playing a key role in a decimated Purdue receiver room.
Jayden is back for another year and the best way I can describe him is steady. He does what he’s supposed to do, when he’s supposed to do it, and he does it with enthusiasm. Last season he started 5 games, pulled down 16 receptions for 142 and scored a touchdown. He was also one of the few Purdue receivers not allergic to blocking on the outside. He does the little things that go unnoticed but make a big difference.
Winning teams need winning players willing to do the dirty work, and that’s Jayden Dixon-Veal (now all Purdue needs to do is win).
Jeffrey M’Ba
Senior
Libreville, Gabon (Auburn University)
Defensive End
6’6”, 302
2024 Projection: Starter at Defensive End
Outside the M’Ba’s family and friends, you won’t find a bigger fan of the big man out of Gabon than me. The former 4*, top ranked JuCo player in the nation started his career at Auburn before realizing his mistake and heading north to West Lafayette. If you don’t know his story, it’s a fun one, I suggest you look it up because I don’t have the room to do it justice in this article. I will say that one of the reasons I think M’Ba will be a breakout star this season is that he’s new(ish) to football and hasn’t even scratched the surface of his immense physical potential. Combine that with his high revving motor and while everyone looks for a Nic Scourton replacement on the outside, there is an athletic 6’6” monster lining up at defensive end.
If M’Ba’s technique and understanding managed to catch up to his physical tools this offseason, look out. This guy could be an absolute menace.
Note: This concludes out player countdown series! You know what that means? Actual football!