17-Offer 2023 Missouri LB/WR Samuel M’Pemba Showcased the Skills This Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The talents of Class of 2023 prospect Samuel M’Pemba were on full display during the 2020 Missouri high school football season, but we have not seen all there is to see in M’Pemba’s game.
The 6-4, 216-pound, athlete lined up at end/outside linebacker for Watkins High School working towards his “Sack Master” degree. Using his speed and quickness to track down the pigskin in the opposition’s backfield, M’Pemba forced the issue on offenses making them go the other direction or settle for quick passes if possible. On offense, the Rams’ coaching staff moved their four-star talent around the field from the outside to inside finding ways to exploit his size and acceleration against Class 5 defenses in the pass and rushing attack.
However college coaches are seeing M’Pemba, they are seeing him as a Division I talent backed by 17 offers extended to date. To talk about his growing skills on the field and skyrocketing recruitment off it, M’Pemba stopped by the RNG Lab for a one on one.
Interview
Sam, you were doing a little bit of everything on defense for the Rams this season playing with a hand down, on the edge, and in space in a more traditional outside linebacker role. What were your responsibilities within the Rams’ defense during the 2020 season?
Mainly to keep containment. Last year I was at end, rushing and blitzing then. My responsibilities were to contain, pass drop, and use my athleticism to make plays.
It was a short run through the five-game schedule, but during those five games how did you see your abilities on defense improve?
I did improve, and I did mess up. I am still learning, but the skills are still showing improvement. Playing in open space for me improved a lot. At defensive end, you rush mostly. This season I was dropping back and playing in space more. My blitzes improved. I timed those better to get to the quarterback.
Is there an aspect to your game on defense that might get overlooked?
My pass drops. This season I did not have a lot of pass drops and when I did drop, the ball did not go to my side.
You were also lining up on the outside on offense burning guys deep on offense. What were some of the routes you were running this season?
Go-routes, slants, and hitches; nothing crazy. Those were the main ones, and post-corners. But mainly goes and slants.
Your speed shows on both sides of the ball, what is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
I have not run a 40. In track, in the 100 I ran an 11.2. I will keep working on that. I am bigger than most guys, I feel good about my track time.
That is a great time. Which events do you compete in during track season?
The 100, 400, and 4×4. I want to hurdle this year and I might do the 110.
Wears me out just thinking about it. On the field, do you have a favorite position?
No. Well maybe tight end. I like playing outside linebacker and end as well as receiver. I am not sure yet which position is my favorite.
Looking to the offseason, what will you focus on with your game to get ready for the 2021 season?
Routes, controlling my body better and maintaining my strength. I want to get stronger and start getting ready for college.
Rolling with that, let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Miami, Stanford, and TCU are showing interest. There are a lot of schools showing interest, but those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.
How many offers have been given to you?
Seventeen.
Which program was the first to offer?
Texas.
Nice. Which were the last couple?
Washington, FSU, Notre Dame, UNLV, Purdue, and Georgia.
M’Pemba’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Boston College, California, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas State, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and Washington
The dead period is expected to lift in January. When that happens, are there any programs you’d like to visit in 2021?
Yes, I’d like to visit Notre Dame, Mizzou, being from Missouri, and Georgia. I am a big SEC fan. I’d like to visit Georgia and maybe FSU.
Sam, it was great spending time with you learning more about your game and recruiting process. Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter/M’Pemba family; Samuel M’Pemba 7v7