Second-year Georgia LB Sam M'Pemba enters transfer portal
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia linebacker Sam M’Pemba is entering the transfer portal. He told On3’s Hayes Fawcett of the intentions on Friday afternoon.
A two-year player in Athens, M’Pemba was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. He ranked as the nation’s No. 44 overall player according to the On3 Industry Ranking and the No. 6 EDGE in the Class of 2023.
M’Pemba played in 10 games his freshman season, doing so primarily on special teams. His role decreased significantly as a sophomore, seeing action in just four games and taking a redshirt. Overall, he tallied six tackles (all in his first season) including two each against Ball State and Ole Miss.
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound native of Missouri and product of IMG Academy will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next stop. He originally chose Georgia over Tennessee, Florida and Miami.
Top 10
- 1
Warde Manuel controversy
CFP Executive Director defends Manuel
- 2New
Randy Moss
NFL legend addresses cancer diagnosis
- 3
Rich Rodriguez heckler
Rowdy fan tossed from presser
- 4Hot
Newton shreds Auburn
Legend rips Tigers, Bo Nix
- 5
Highest paid assistants
Top 10 in CFB
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
M’Pemba is the fifth Georgia player to enter the portal, joining teammates Julian Humphrey, Michael Jackson III, Jamaal Jarrett and Justyn Rhett in doing so.
High School Scouting Report
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
More on the transfer portal…
The NCAA student-athlete transfer portal launched in 2018. It marked a change from when student-athletes had to get a release from their school to transfer to another and they could be limited as to where they transferred. The portal allows student athletes to simply notify their current school and its compliance department that they intend to move on to another program.
Last season, Georgia lost 21 scholarship players to the portal, watching several end up at power conference programs around the country. The Bulldogs did add to their talent however, as they’ve done before. Adding to the likes of Lawrence Cager, Tre McKitty, Derion Kendrick, Tykee Smith, Dominic Lovett and others that have joined the program in the past, UGA brought in Trevor Etienne, Colbie Young, London Humphreys, Ben Yurosek, Xzavier McLeod and others that have had an impact on the Bulldogs’ 2024 campaign.
For more Georgia athletics coverage, be sure to check out the DawgsHQ YouTube channel where you can find press conferences, player interviews, podcasts and more!
