Purdue defensive lineman Salaiman Kpaka discusses decision to transfer to Mississippi State
Former Purdue transfer defensive lineman Sulaiman Kpaka got his first look at his new program this weekend. Not long after the senior finished up his official visit at Mississippi State, Kpaka announced his plans to transfer to Mississippi State.
This past season Kpaka had 10 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and one PBU for Purdue. He becomes the second transfer defensive lineman to transfer to State, joining former North Carolina transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones.
“The biggest thing about going to Mississippi State is being at a place with a coach (David Turner) that has produced a lot of good defensive linemen,” said the 6-foot-2 and 295-pound Kpaka. “With Coach Turner coaching my position, that is going to be big for me being my last year of college football, especially being around some great guys.”
Kpaka also had a previous relationship with Turner before reuniting with Turner this weekend. During his prep days in Grand Prairie, Texas, he was recruited by Turner.
“I remember Coach Turner when he was recruiting me in high school,” mentioned Kpaka. “Just knowing how he is and how he coaches, I am grateful he gave me a chance to be one of his guys. He can help me be successful at the next level. It is an honor and a blessing to be coached by him. I am really excited to play under Coach Turner.”
Almost instantly, Kpaka noted that he felt comfortable on campus and soaked up the atmosphere in Starkville. With one season left of eligibility, he feels like he has found his new home.
“With Coach Lebby being there, it feels like family,” Kpaka added. “It felt like home around their facilities and felt like a great atmosphere. Everything about the visit was great and I felt that way the minute I got off the plane. It is a place where I can lock in and play my best football in my last chapter of college football.”
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Kpaka also gained insight from one of State’s veterans on the defensive line. It also allowed him to get a better grasp of what his new teammates will be like when spring practice rolls around.
“My host was De’Monte Russell,” noted Kpaka. “He is a great guy, a stand up guy. I only spent a couple of days with him but I feel like we really clicked. I like the maturity that he has going on. Those are the type of great guys I want to be around. I could tell he is a good leader for their team and it was good to be around him.”
Throughout his college career at Purdue, Kpaka lined up on the interior of the defensive line. He expects to maintain that same role for the Bulldogs and believes the defensive system fits him well.
“I will play anywhere they need me to play,” Kpaka said. “But I have played inside my whole career so I imagine that is where I will be at Mississippi State. They want to play some four-down front and that should fit me well.”
