Steve Bolo Mboumoua wrote a page in Quebec football history by joining the prestigious Alabama Crimson Tide program.
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Surrounded by his family, his college and school coaches, the teaching staff of the Montignac high school in Lac-Mégantic and his teammates, the defensive end from the Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy (CNDF) confirmed his choice on Wednesday at noon in the first game signing window in the NCAA.
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After receiving around 20 offers from some of America's biggest programs, Mboumoua ultimately chose between Alabama, the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Florida Gators.
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“It's a dream come true,” said the 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram man from the start after signing the documents confirming his election. It takes a load off my shoulders. I thank God for giving me this opportunity. It is a great pride and honor to be the first Quebecer to sign with Alabama, and it shows younger people that it is possible to reach the best programs. You have to work at it and believe in it. “There’s no added pressure to go to Alabama because I’ve been working toward this opportunity my whole life.”
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“Special day”
Jean Guillaume, an advisor to players who want to play in the NCAA, was thrilled. “It's a special day for Quebec,” said the former flag bearer of the University of Montreal Carabins and the Vanier Cheetahs. This is the first time a Quebecer has signed with Alabama. Steve will pave the way for others. The terroir of Quebec is very fertile.”
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“The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a separate league and a different world,” Guillaume added. Steve enters this world through the front door. There is prejudice against the Canadians because we play with 12 players and the field is bigger, but I tell the American coaches that our style of football is more demanding.
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“Everything is possible”
Marc-André Dion agrees. “Steve's commitment to Alabama shows that anything is possible when you're on a mission,” said the CNDF head coach. Our goal is to get guys into the NCAA and we peaked in our first year. It’s pretty extraordinary and a huge win for our program.”
“The West Montreal guys now know who the CNDF is because they know Steve’s story,” Dion continued. Steve contributed to that.”
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Despite interest from several top programs, the Cameroon native, who moved to Quebec at age 12, quickly became intrigued by the Crimson Tide. “I wanted to play with the best, to become the best, and that's why I chose Alabama. Coach Saban [Nick] attaches great importance to family and that is a very important aspect for me. When I saw this at camp this summer, I didn't have to make any more visits without disrespecting the other programs. My idea was conceived and that’s why I made a verbal commitment.”
Present at the Rose Bowl
Mboumoua has no plans to change the recipe. He will join his new team on December 26th in California to prepare for the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines, which will be played on January 1st in the legendary Rose Bowl.
“I will remain authentic, I will remain myself and let my actions speak for themselves. My goal is to compete in my first season. For players at my position, Alabama is a good path to the NFL.”
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Dion believes the defensive end has the mindset to earn his spot on one of the NCAA's most prestigious teams. “In addition to his physique, Steve is aggressive, he is hungry and he wants to be the best. Steve is going to have ups and downs and it's going to be a big challenge because when you sign at Alabama, you belong. They push you until you collapse, but Steve won't collapse. His attitude and mental strength will allow him not to break.”
As for the NFL, Dion had a message for his protégé. “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C is Alabama. He has to accept coaching and persevere during the tests. I’m not saying he’ll get to the NFL to avoid putting pressure on him, but I wish he would.”
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