Five-star EDGE Samuel M'Pemba returning to Florida this month

Another elite prospect has been added to the University of Florida‘s visitors list for the recruiting cookout.

Samuel M’Pemba, a five-star EDGE from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, says he is returning to Gainesville on July 30. That would mark his third visit to campus this year, while he also attended last year’s matchup against the Crimson Tide.

Earlier this month, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon and Tennessee were named the top-seven schools in M’Pemba’s recruitment.

As for the Gators, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound M’Pemba has noticed major changes since the Dan Mullen era. He is impressed with Billy Napier’s vision for the program along with the culture instilled under his leadership.

“I feel like I’ll be needed there because they really don’t have that many guys. That’s one thing they’ve been telling me a lot,” M’Pemba told On3’s Chad Simmons.

The St. Louis native has yet to take any of his official visits; however, one is scheduled with Notre Dame for Nov. 5.

Georgia, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, is trending heavily with odds of nearly 77 percent. M’Pemba has traveled to Athens multiple times this year and raved about both experiences. On3 analysts Jeremy Johnson and EJ Holland have submitted predictions in favor of the Bulldogs as well.

According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, M’Pemba ranks as the No. 3 EDGE and No. 21 player regardless of position.

Recruiting M’Pemba is a group effort on behalf of Florida

Billy Napier, defensive analyst Jamar Chaney and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson are just some of the UF coaches who are prioritizing M’Pemba day in day out.

As expected, that bond strengthened even more once both parties had face-to-face communication. The Gators are eager to build off that next weekend in hopes of securing an official visit at some point as well.

“Rushing the passer on third and fourth downs and playing in space a little bit,” M’Pemba previously told GO of his projected role at UF. “I feel like they will use my abilities to the best, especially being at the University of Florida, a big SEC school. Then also the resume that coach Peterson has.

“They are great guys. I’ve been talking to them for a long time, especially coach Peterson. I just started meeting him, but I’ve been talking to him for a minute. Coach Chaney as well. I’ve been talking to him since he was at Mississippi State, so I have a good relationship with them.”

Inside the Film Room

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. Practiced at EDGE in the spring and looks good there. Can continue to improve initial quickness but savvy and has natural pass rush ability. — On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power

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