Samuel M'Pemba

One of those prospects you take now and then figure out the position later. Has the frame – and skill set – to be molded into a variety of different things at the next level. Got snaps on both sides of the ball his first few years back while home in St. Louis before transferring into the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy and being deployed primarily as a large slot wideout. Found success in that role as he can create some separation and move the chains while working the lower numbers of the route tree, but seems to have the most developmental upside as a pass rusher, hence why he’s expected to focus mainly on being a defender during his senior season. When it comes to getting after the quarterback, has flashed the ability to bend and win with speed as he runs the arc. Will eventually need to develop a full menu of moves and learn how to find his run fits, but has the initial burst to be an effective edge player on Saturdays. Testing profile (30-inch vertical jump and 4.5 shuttle) also suggest that he could potentially drop back into coverage in certain situations. Might need some time to figure things out after juggling two positions, but large hands and favorable wingspan shouldn’t be overlooked as he doesn’t appear to be anywhere close to being taped out (believed to hovering right around 6-4, 235 pounds winter after junior year). Could thrive as a blitzing linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. NFL potential.