Previewing the Decision: Five-star EDGE Samuel M'Pemba
There are few prospects in the Class of 2023 that we’ve discussed as often or in as much depth as Consensus five-star prospect Samuel M’Pemba.
With the decision set for Sunday, December 4, it won’t be long until the nation finds out the landing spot of one of the most coveted pass rushers in the senior class.
The Dawgs are on the final list, and they’re joined by the likes of the Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Tennessee Volunteers
The nation’s No. 24 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus, M’Pemba has been long been the apple of Georgia’s eye, and he has reciprocated the love to a large degree, with multiple visits to Athens taken.
It’s all worked together to make the Dawgs a smart bet, with Georgia currently sitting as a 93.7-percent favorite in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine to land M’Pemba’s commitment with several experts predictions already locked in and pointing toward Athens.
Kirby Smart and company will certainly be hoping that’s the case, with the 6-foot-3, 255-pound M’Pemba having an ideal frame and raw skillset to create havoc for quarterbacks at the next level.
To Smart’s credit, his involvement has been a major key.
“It’s really about coming up there and being part of the family and coming up there and developing,” M’Pemba said in an interview in September. “They just won a national championship… It’s just love. Coach Kirby (Smart), he’s a really down-to-Earth guy. We just talked about football and about the team and the development there.”
Of course, positional coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who mans the outside linebacker room for the Bulldogs, has also been a major selling point.
“That’s my guy,” M’Pemba told On3 regarding Uzo-Diribe. “(I) probably talk with him like every day.”
While there are certainly few sure things in the world of college football recruiting, M’Pemba’s frequent appearances in Athens, and tight connection with the staff make Georgia appear firmly in the driver’s seat leading into this commitment.
We’ll ride with them as the pick and would consider not landing M’Pemba a major upset for the Bulldogs’ 2023 class.
On3 Scouting Report of Samuel M’Pemba
“Physically-developed two-way athlete, with the highest projected ceiling as an EDGE prospect. Played as a pass rusher and wide receiver at his initial high school prior to transferring to IMG Academy as a junior. Primarily played as a tight end/h-back at IMG during the fall of 2021. A strong athlete with dip and feel for rushing the passer. Had considerable murkiness around his ultimate position. Practicing at EDGE in the spring for IMG and looks primed to make an impact as a pass rusher. Measured at 6-foot-3.5, 240 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wing span prior to his senior season. Tests as a solid to good athlete, clocking an electronically-timed 4.94-second 40-yard dash prior to his senior season. Would benefit greatly from a permanent move to defense as a senior, in our opinion. Practicing at EDGE in the spring and looks good there. Can continue to improve initial quickness but savvy and has natural pass rush ability.” – Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
