2/20/2020 football Edit

Sam Mbake's recruitment is taking off

Chad Simmons • Rivals.com

Recruiting Analyst

Chad Simmons is a Recruiting Analyst for Rivals.com. He was the expert on The Next Class on Fox Sports South from 2011-2015. He currently covers Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Georgia Tech offered Sam Mbake first. The Yellow Jackets offered the 6-foot-3, 193 pound wide receiver out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy last summer at camp just days after he completed his freshman year.

Colorado then offered in December, and here in 2020, the sophomore has already reeled in offers from Arizona State, Ole Miss and Tennessee.

Each offer stands out to Mbake, and he is doing his research on each school, but being from Georgia, and camping at Georgia Tech, he knows about the school that offered first.

"The new coaches at Georgia Tech have created a new culture," said Mbake. "There is a different vibe there now and it is all because of the coaches. Georgia Tech is in the city, so there is always stuff going on, there is always action, and it is just different there.

"Being where it is and being they were first to offer, I see Georgia Tech always being one of my top schools."

Another school Mbake is familiar with that has offered is Tennessee. He has visited Knoxville before.

"I really like coach Tee Martin at Tennessee. He is very hands on, he is someone that is easy to talk to and I like what they have going on for the future."

The list is long of schools that are showing interest. Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State are some of the schools Mbake mentioned.

He is working to set up visits with many of those in the coming months, but he has been Athens before and he wants that offer from the Bulldogs.

"I was at Georgia for the Notre Dame last season and it was pretty awesome. The fans, the LED light show, the atmosphere — it was a great experience. That visit really opened my eyes and I have interest in Georgia."

Mbake said his "dream school" has always been Alabama, His favorite player growing up was Julio Jones.

With his size, Mbake could project as a big receiver, but some feel he will grow into an athletic flex tight end. At the Rivals Camp Sunday, he flashed strong hands and the ability to catch the ball in traffic. His offer list will continue to grow.