11/5/2026 10:15:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO – Fourth-year running back David Mbadinga has never been short on belief. Long before earning opportunities in the Georgia Southern backfield or envisioning a future in software engineering, Mbadinga had to learn the value of patience and perseverance.
His journey to Statesboro was not without setbacks.Â
After a productive freshman season of high school in which he recorded 1,318 rushing yards, the COVID-19 pandemic shortened his sophomore season. Then, during the opening game of his junior year, a knee injury that required surgery threatened to change the trajectory of his football career.
With recruiting interest slowing and the pressure of a pivotal senior season approaching, Mbadinga knew he had to make the most of his next opportunity.
"Everyone tells you your junior year is your biggest recruiting year, but for me, the schools that had previously shown interest weren't reaching out anymore," Mbadinga said. "Going into my senior year, I knew it had to be a make-or-break season. I had a productive year, split a lot of carries and ultimately received an offer from the Air Force and an opportunity to walk on at Georgia Southern. After talking it over with my family, we felt Georgia Southern was the best fit."
The decision brought him to Statesboro, where he quickly realized that believing in himself was only one part of the equation.
As a 5-foot-7 walk-on entering a Division I program, Mbadinga felt the need to prove that he belonged. While he never questioned his own abilities, he was uncertain whether those around him saw the same potential.
"I felt like I had to put my head down, work and prove myself," Mbadinga said.
He found encouragement early in the process, particularly from then-offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis. During an unofficial visit to campus, Ellis made a point to welcome Mbadinga and let him know how excited he was to have him join the program.
That personal connection gave Mbadinga an early boost, but his first opportunity to put his abilities on display came during his first collegiate game against The Citadel.
On his first career carry, Mbadinga made a defender miss and picked up 12 yards. The play served as a reminder that the abilities that had carried him through high school were still there.
Two plays later, however, brought a different lesson. A missed handoff exchange resulted in a fumble, and despite Georgia Southern earning a convincing victory, Mbadinga walked off the field disappointed.
Veteran running back Terron Dixon II recognized the moment as an opportunity to offer perspective, reminding the young player that one mistake did not define his career.
"He helped me understand that I was still a young player with a long career ahead of me," Mbadinga said. "I had to stay positive and keep the right mindset."
That perspective became important as he continued to earn opportunities.Â
Later that season against Ball State, with Jalen White and OJ Arnold unavailable, Mbadinga stepped into a larger role in the offense and gained valuable experience.
For a player who arrived knowing he would have to earn everything, each opportunity carried a little more meaning. Along the way, he also found mentors in the running backs room.Â
Watching how White interacted with teammates and carried himself helped Mbadinga develop an understanding of what it meant to lead beyond simply setting an example on the field.
Now, as he steps into a leadership role of his own, Mbadinga has made building relationships a priority.
Rather than approaching every teammate the same way, he takes time to understand each individual's personality, motivations and goals. He believes effective leadership starts with knowing the person beyond the player and understanding how to communicate in a way that brings out the best in each individual.
"When things get tough, it's not just about telling someone what they need to do," Mbadinga said. "It's about knowing how to communicate with them in a way that resonates. I want them to know I'm not just someone who talks to them about football, but someone who knows them personally and genuinely cares about them."
That same intentional approach carries into the classroom, where Mbadinga has developed interests that extend well beyond the football field.
Initially an exercise science major, Mbadinga entered college hoping to better understand the human body after experiencing injuries throughout his playing career. However, as he progressed through the curriculum, he realized his interests were leading him in a different direction.
His curiosity about computers had started years earlier. In fifth grade, he was introduced to basic coding through classroom projects that involved creating small games. That early exposure stayed with him, eventually leading him to switch to computer science following his first semester of college.
The change proved to be a natural fit.
Since making the switch, Mbadinga has worked on projects involving websites, banking systems and hospital management applications.Â
One of his current class projects focuses on automating data collection and statistical reporting for recovery community organizations, allowing community leaders to spend less time compiling information and more time serving individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
The practical applications of his coursework have helped shape his interest in pursuing a career in software engineering.
"I've also completed projects similar to what I would be doing in the professional world, and I've really enjoyed that experience," Mbadinga said. "I'm definitely open to exploring other fields, but software engineering is where I see myself right now."
His academic success is rooted in a standard established long before he arrived in Statesboro.
Mbadinga's mother, who was born in Gabon, West Africa, immigrated to the United States to provide a better life for her family.Â
As first-generation Americans, Mbadinga and his siblings grew up with an emphasis on education, discipline and never settling for less than their best.
He still remembers earning an 89 in a class during seventh grade. His mother's response was to take away his video games for three months.
The expectations never changed. Mbadinga graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA, and his mother continues to keep up with his academic progress in college.
Her influence also extended to his decision to pursue computer science, encouraging him to challenge himself and explore a field that would push him to think differently.
Whether in the classroom or on the football field, the expectations remain the same: continue learning, keep improving and make the most of every opportunity.
For Mbadinga, that mindset has helped transform the uncertainty of arriving as a walk-on into an opportunity to become a leader within the program.
With the Eagles continuing to push toward their goals, Mbadinga knows the importance of having Eagle Nation behind them for the final two home games of the season.Â
"We're going to do everything we can to win every game, and we need Eagle Nation behind us, rocking out," Mbadinga said. "You see what happens every time we pack the stands. There's no doubt in our minds that we're going to get the job done when we have that support behind us."
Regardless of what comes next, Mbadinga hopes his journey serves as a reminder to others who may find themselves in a similar position.
He knows what it feels like to arrive without a guaranteed opportunity, to question how others view his abilities and to wonder when the work will begin to pay off. But through every setback and every opportunity, his belief in himself never wavered.
Above all, he credits his faith for carrying him through the journey.
"The biggest thing I want people to take away from my story is that I started as a walk-on, and everything I've accomplished has come through hard work and, most importantly, the Lord," Mbadinga said. "I've always prayed for this, envisioned it and believed I had the ability to get here."
His message is simple: belief is important, but it must be matched by consistent effort.
"Belief alone isn't enough," Mbadinga said. "You have to put in the work every single day, even when nobody is watching. When you least expect it, that work will show."
The Eagles return to action on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 p.m. ET, to take on Marshall for Homecoming! Eagle Nation, secure your tickets now at GSEagles.com/Tickets.Â
Â
His journey to Statesboro was not without setbacks.Â
After a productive freshman season of high school in which he recorded 1,318 rushing yards, the COVID-19 pandemic shortened his sophomore season. Then, during the opening game of his junior year, a knee injury that required surgery threatened to change the trajectory of his football career.
With recruiting interest slowing and the pressure of a pivotal senior season approaching, Mbadinga knew he had to make the most of his next opportunity.
"Everyone tells you your junior year is your biggest recruiting year, but for me, the schools that had previously shown interest weren't reaching out anymore," Mbadinga said. "Going into my senior year, I knew it had to be a make-or-break season. I had a productive year, split a lot of carries and ultimately received an offer from the Air Force and an opportunity to walk on at Georgia Southern. After talking it over with my family, we felt Georgia Southern was the best fit."
The decision brought him to Statesboro, where he quickly realized that believing in himself was only one part of the equation.
As a 5-foot-7 walk-on entering a Division I program, Mbadinga felt the need to prove that he belonged. While he never questioned his own abilities, he was uncertain whether those around him saw the same potential.
"I felt like I had to put my head down, work and prove myself," Mbadinga said.
He found encouragement early in the process, particularly from then-offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis. During an unofficial visit to campus, Ellis made a point to welcome Mbadinga and let him know how excited he was to have him join the program.
That personal connection gave Mbadinga an early boost, but his first opportunity to put his abilities on display came during his first collegiate game against The Citadel.
On his first career carry, Mbadinga made a defender miss and picked up 12 yards. The play served as a reminder that the abilities that had carried him through high school were still there.
Two plays later, however, brought a different lesson. A missed handoff exchange resulted in a fumble, and despite Georgia Southern earning a convincing victory, Mbadinga walked off the field disappointed.
Veteran running back Terron Dixon II recognized the moment as an opportunity to offer perspective, reminding the young player that one mistake did not define his career.
"He helped me understand that I was still a young player with a long career ahead of me," Mbadinga said. "I had to stay positive and keep the right mindset."
That perspective became important as he continued to earn opportunities.Â
Later that season against Ball State, with Jalen White and OJ Arnold unavailable, Mbadinga stepped into a larger role in the offense and gained valuable experience.
For a player who arrived knowing he would have to earn everything, each opportunity carried a little more meaning. Along the way, he also found mentors in the running backs room.Â
Watching how White interacted with teammates and carried himself helped Mbadinga develop an understanding of what it meant to lead beyond simply setting an example on the field.
Now, as he steps into a leadership role of his own, Mbadinga has made building relationships a priority.
Rather than approaching every teammate the same way, he takes time to understand each individual's personality, motivations and goals. He believes effective leadership starts with knowing the person beyond the player and understanding how to communicate in a way that brings out the best in each individual.
"When things get tough, it's not just about telling someone what they need to do," Mbadinga said. "It's about knowing how to communicate with them in a way that resonates. I want them to know I'm not just someone who talks to them about football, but someone who knows them personally and genuinely cares about them."
That same intentional approach carries into the classroom, where Mbadinga has developed interests that extend well beyond the football field.
Initially an exercise science major, Mbadinga entered college hoping to better understand the human body after experiencing injuries throughout his playing career. However, as he progressed through the curriculum, he realized his interests were leading him in a different direction.
His curiosity about computers had started years earlier. In fifth grade, he was introduced to basic coding through classroom projects that involved creating small games. That early exposure stayed with him, eventually leading him to switch to computer science following his first semester of college.
The change proved to be a natural fit.
Since making the switch, Mbadinga has worked on projects involving websites, banking systems and hospital management applications.Â
One of his current class projects focuses on automating data collection and statistical reporting for recovery community organizations, allowing community leaders to spend less time compiling information and more time serving individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
The practical applications of his coursework have helped shape his interest in pursuing a career in software engineering.
"I've also completed projects similar to what I would be doing in the professional world, and I've really enjoyed that experience," Mbadinga said. "I'm definitely open to exploring other fields, but software engineering is where I see myself right now."
His academic success is rooted in a standard established long before he arrived in Statesboro.
Mbadinga's mother, who was born in Gabon, West Africa, immigrated to the United States to provide a better life for her family.Â
As first-generation Americans, Mbadinga and his siblings grew up with an emphasis on education, discipline and never settling for less than their best.
He still remembers earning an 89 in a class during seventh grade. His mother's response was to take away his video games for three months.
The expectations never changed. Mbadinga graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA, and his mother continues to keep up with his academic progress in college.
Her influence also extended to his decision to pursue computer science, encouraging him to challenge himself and explore a field that would push him to think differently.
Whether in the classroom or on the football field, the expectations remain the same: continue learning, keep improving and make the most of every opportunity.
For Mbadinga, that mindset has helped transform the uncertainty of arriving as a walk-on into an opportunity to become a leader within the program.
With the Eagles continuing to push toward their goals, Mbadinga knows the importance of having Eagle Nation behind them for the final two home games of the season.Â
"We're going to do everything we can to win every game, and we need Eagle Nation behind us, rocking out," Mbadinga said. "You see what happens every time we pack the stands. There's no doubt in our minds that we're going to get the job done when we have that support behind us."
Regardless of what comes next, Mbadinga hopes his journey serves as a reminder to others who may find themselves in a similar position.
He knows what it feels like to arrive without a guaranteed opportunity, to question how others view his abilities and to wonder when the work will begin to pay off. But through every setback and every opportunity, his belief in himself never wavered.
Above all, he credits his faith for carrying him through the journey.
"The biggest thing I want people to take away from my story is that I started as a walk-on, and everything I've accomplished has come through hard work and, most importantly, the Lord," Mbadinga said. "I've always prayed for this, envisioned it and believed I had the ability to get here."
His message is simple: belief is important, but it must be matched by consistent effort.
"Belief alone isn't enough," Mbadinga said. "You have to put in the work every single day, even when nobody is watching. When you least expect it, that work will show."
The Eagles return to action on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 p.m. ET, to take on Marshall for Homecoming! Eagle Nation, secure your tickets now at GSEagles.com/Tickets.Â
Â
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballMonday, November 02
Monday, November 02
Sunday, November 01
Sunday, November 01
