2023 ATH Samuel M'Pemba Building Relationship with Notre Dame's Mike Elston

2023 Ladue Horton Watkins (Mo.) athlete Samuel M'Pemba‍ received his Notre Dame offer six months ago, but he's quickly turned into one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail in the last month. 

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder wasn't caught off guard by the offers, but it has been a surreal moment to received offers from schools like Alabama, Oklahoma and Oregon. 

"It's been pretty good," M'Pemba told ISD. "I'm enjoying it. I knew it was going to come eventually. The schools that have offered, I'm not surprised, but it's like, 'dang.'" 

M'Pemba is listed as an athlete as he plays receiver on offense and edge on defense. It's a unique skillset, so offseason trying is about maximizing his rare combination of size and speed.

"I've put on about 15 pounds and working on my speed," stated M'Pemba. "I'm working on my hands and IQ of the game up. It's always good to be fast." 

Schools are also split on where they project the St. Louis native.  M'Pemba could be a receiver, or he could be a dynamic defensive player and he's listening to it all. 

"It depends on the school," M'Pemba said of projected positions. "Some schools want me on offense and some want me on defense. I don't really have a preference. I'm just taking it all in right now." 

M'Pemba has started developing a strong relationship with Mike Elston as Notre Dame got in the door early. 

"I talk to Coach Elston almost weekly," explained M'Pemba. "He's showing me the position he wants me to play. I'm like a rover or outside linebacker. I went over my film with him too." 

Watching film with Elston or any other coach has meant a great deal to M'Pemba. It's a chance for him to learn about his own and help prepare him for the next level. 

"I learned a lot," M'Pemba stated. "At the end of the day, it's college coaches and that's where I'm trying to get to. I take in as much as I can to be as prepared as I can be when I get to college. I don't want to be just sitting there, especially when they are telling me valuable information." 

M'Pemba's recruitment is just getting off the ground and the next step will be to take a few unofficial visits. 

"I'm going to visit Alabama and I'll most likely get to Notre Dame," said M'Pemba. "I'll be going to Mizzou because I'm from Missouri. I want to get to North Carolina and I definitely want to visit Washington. I'll probably take a couple visits."