Claude Mpouma Chats Recruitment and Breakout Year

One of the coolest stories of the high school football season from an evaluation and recruiting standpoint was 2026 offensive tackle Claude Mpouma.  He had never played football before and we saw him play quite a bit as a basketball player.  Was always one of those guys scouts say “man he could make a lot of money playing football.”  Well as a junior Mpouma did just that as he suited up for Phillips after winning a state title with their hoops team in the spring.  Before even playing a game we gave him a group of 5 grade as a football player.  That was WAY TOO LOW!

Everything translated from the first game!  He is a massive human at 6'7” and 300 pounds.  The athleticism, footwork, and length all made him an instant star at the offensive tackle position.  Plays with leverage, mobility, and a nasty streak in the run.  In pass pro he is elite mirroring along with using his length to not allow the defender to get anywhere near his body.  He is a no doubt top 5 2026 in the class and a contender for the top spot.

After the season was over Mpouma made the decision to transfer to three time defending state champions Mt. Carmel where he will be on a team loaded with prospects along with being able to go against future USC pass rusher Braeden Jones Braeden Jones 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Chicago Mt. Carmel | 2026 State IL every day in practice.  We caught up with the offensive tackle recently where we chatted with him about his first year on the gridiron.

“It was pretty good and exciting.  For me being a first year player and having all the recruitment and everything going on.  It was neat.”

He spoke about the adjustment to football.

“Learning the game.  It was kind of hard for the first game.  Also putting my uniform on for the first time.  I put my pads on top of my jersey.  My teammates had to correct me after that.”

How did he see his play evolving throughout the season?

“I was learning game after game and week after week.”

Making the move over to Mt. Carmel he is joining a program that knows how to produce big time talent to the next level.

“They won state three years in a row so that means the coaching staff is great.  Learning from them is going to be a good experience for me and help take my game to another level and get ready for college.”

He holds 14 offers currently as he rattled off a few of them.

“Kansas State, Auburn, Northwestern, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and couple more.”

Other offers include Boston College, Florida State, Illinois, Kent State, Marshall, Miami, Miami (OH), Michigan State, and Minnesota.  During the season he took five visits.

“I went to Northwestern, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Michigan.”

The star offensive tackle broke down each one starting with the defending national champs Michigan Wolverines.

“Great team even though they had a rough season this year they are a really good program.”

How about Northwestern?

“It is local.  Home team and they are good.”

Illinois is making the in-state lineman a major priority.

“I really like the coaches there.  I got really close with the coaches at Illinois.  That was a pretty good thing for them to talk with me that much.”

Nebraska is making moves with him early in the process.

“Same thing like Illinois.  The coaches are really in to me.  They are calling me letting me know they like me and want me.  They enjoy being on the phone with me.”

Wisconsin is a program that has produced lineman into the pros.

“They make me feel comfortable.  They talk with me every day.”

What is the next step in the process?

“Start taking some official visits.  I have a couple in mind, but I am still thinking about it.  I don't think I am going to make my decision right after those visits.  I will probably wait and really think about where I want to go.”

Mpouma told us what he is looking for in a program.

“First is family.  I am really looking for a place where I can feel comfortable.  Actually enjoy playing football.  Also my development.  With this being my first year it is different than recruiting someone playing since they were five years old.  I really need a program that is going to help me and take my game to another level so I can be the person I want to be.”

The junior is a highly intelligent young man that is charismatic.  He has a really bright future!