Grading and impact of Texas A&M football's transfer portal additions: EDGE Sam M'Pemba
This is one of the more intriguing pickups in this cycle. M'Pemba was a five-star prospect coming out of high school thanks to his eye-popping athleticism, but he was extremely raw in his technique. He chose Georgia and has spent the last two seasons developing under Kirby Smart and company.
However, he didn't see much time for the Bulldogs. That's understandable, given just how unpolished he was coming out of high school and the level of talent that was ahead of him in Athens. For one reason or another, though, he ended up departing for greener pastures, which led him to College Station.
The intrigue is where exactly he fits in Elko's scheme. Is he a big linebacker or a defensive end? My gut tells me that he'll be the latter, coming in as a uber-high-ceiling version of Tyree Johnson for Elko's defense.
If he fits in there, I think his impact will be huge. The problem is that his development at this point is simply a complete unknown. Georgia fans were of the opinion that he would be a contributor next year, but this is a wait-and-see proposition.
Aggie fans have been burned before by extremely athletic, high-upside five star players who turned out to lack production (see Demond Demas). I don't think M'Pemba will end up in that same vein, but the potential for that to happen recommends caution— at least as of now.
Grade: C+