5-star EDGE Samuel M'Pemba recaps Tennessee visit

Like everybody else inside Neyland Stadium on Saturday, St. Louis (Mo.) IMG Academy five-star EDGE Samuel M’Pemba was extremely impressed by the environment for Tennessee‘s 52-49 victory over Alabama.

M’Pemba discussed that atmosphere and more from his official visit with Volquest.

“Right before he (hit) the kick, we was all just screaming,” M’Pemba told Volquest. “Then once he got it, I just stood there for a little bit. I stood in the stands for a little bit but I ended up coming on the field a little bit later. It was fun to watch.”

While the environment was electric in Knoxville, Tenn., M’Pemba also notices a lot to like in the on-field product. He likes what he sees from the Volunteers defense.

“I like how versatile they are, how they use the guys,” M’Pemba said. “They run both 4-3, 3-4. The guys out here are having fun. They are playing for each other.”

M’Pemba is the No. 22 overall recruit and No. 4 EDGE in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He said his talks with the coaching staff indicate the five-star recruit could potentially play right away in Rocky Top.

“He’s just talking about how guys are leaving,” M’Pemba said. “They definitely need me on the team with their depth. It’s a lot of freshmen playing so it’s a lot of opportunity.”

M’Pemba said Tennessee was already really high on his list before the list but this visit did definitely help its case.

“They’re definitely up there,” M’Pemba said. “They’ve been up there for the past a couple months so they’re still up there for sure.”

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $209k. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

M’Pemba still has official visits scheduled to Georgia, LSU and Miami forthcoming. While he doesn’t have an idea of when he will commit, M’Pemba did say he knows what he is looking for in a school.

“Just development, culture, how my family feels about the school,” M’Pemba said.

Samuel M’Pemba Scouting Summary

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.

For more Tennessee recruiting intel check out Volquest.