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BIOGRAPHY
Michael Pembleton Jr. is a disciplined, high-character student-athlete from Kempsville High School who approaches football and academics with the same level of commitment and intentionality. His long-term goal is to compete at the highest level of college football while earning his degree and preparing for success beyond the game.
Pembleton plans to finish high school early, allowing him to enroll in college ahead of schedule and maximize his academic and athletic development. By accelerating his academic timeline, he is positioning himself to potentially earn his master’s degree by the time his collegiate eligibility is complete—demonstrating foresight, maturity, and a strong commitment to life after football.
On the field, Pembleton plays with consistent energy, physicality, and intelligence. He is a student of the game who takes pride in film study, communication, and execution. Known as a dependable teammate, he brings a high football IQ and a team-first mentality, understanding his role within the scheme and executing it with accountability and effort.
Off the field, Pembleton is equally focused on academics, leadership, and personal growth. His discipline, work ethic, and consistency define who he is as both a player and a person. He carries himself with professionalism and purpose, making him a strong fit for programs that value character, development, and long-term success as much as on-field performance.
Michael Pembleton Jr. represents the type of prospect coaches can trust—committed, prepared, and driven to excel in all areas of the collegiate experience.
URA EVALUATION
Michael Pembleton Jr. is a program-fit prospect whose value extends beyond measurables. His early enrollment plan, academic ambition, and disciplined approach make him an attractive option for college staff seeking players they can trust on and off the field. He brings long-term value through consistency, intelligence, and cultural impact.
As a long, athletic two-way prospect, Michael possesses a college-ready frame at 6’2”, 195 pounds, giving him positional flexibility as either a cornerback or safety at the Division I level. His length and physical presence immediately stand out, allowing him to match up effectively against bigger receivers and physically developed skill players. His size, combined with his versatility, gives coaches multiple options in the secondary and adds value to defensive schemes that prioritize length, matchup flexibility, and physicality.
He communicates well pre-snap, understands leverage, and plays within the scheme, traits college staffs value in defensive backs they can trust. With continued refinement in speed, footwork, and hip fluidity, his length and intelligence give him strong upside as an FCS/FBS Group of 5 defensive back.
Michael Pembleton Jr. began his football career at the eighth-grade level, where he played multiple positions including wide receiver, cornerback, and outside linebacker. Appearing in six games, he recorded 10 total touchdowns, caught five passes, totaled 23 tackles, and added one interception. His early production across multiple positions highlighted his athletic versatility, competitive nature, and natural playmaking ability on both sides of the ball.
Pembleton played exclusively on the varsity level as a cornerback, while also contributing on the kickoff unit. He appeared in eight games, recording 16 total tackles and four pass breakups. Used primarily in coverage situations, Pembleton provided length and physicality on the perimeter and showed the ability to compete at the catch point. His role on special teams further reflects his willingness to contribute where needed and his value as a dependable, assignment-sound player.
Pembleton did not play during his sophomore season due to injury, using that time to focus on rehabilitation, film study, and mental development. The experience strengthened his understanding of the game and reinforced his discipline and approach to preparation. Upon returning, he emerged more focused and mature, translating the setback into on-field production and leadership.
Pembleton served as a varsity team captain and played cornerback in 11 games, recording 26 total tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. He also forced two fumbles, recovered one fumble, and scored one defensive touchdown. Pembleton consistently impacted the game as a playmaker in the secondary, showing the ability to generate turnovers, finish plays, and provide leadership on the field.
Heading into his senior season, Michael Pembleton Jr. is expected to take on an expanded leadership role in the secondary as a returning varsity captain and experienced cornerback. After producing a strong junior campaign highlighted by multiple takeaways and consistent coverage production, Pembleton enters the year positioned to build on his impact as a playmaker and tone-setter on defense.
With a college-ready frame at 6’2”, 195 pounds, Pembleton is projected to be a primary matchup defender against top opposing receivers, with increased responsibilities in man coverage, situational packages, and takeaway-driven assignments. Coaches anticipate continued growth in his ball production, route recognition, and overall defensive command as he continues to refine his technique and football IQ.
In addition to his on-field development, Pembleton’s leadership, preparation, and accountability are expected to remain central to the program’s culture. His maturity, consistency, and academic focus position him as a dependable contributor and a strong college prospect entering his final high school season.
Michael Pembleton Jr. is an Honor Roll student and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. He is on track to earn an Advanced Diploma, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and long-term educational achievement alongside his athletic pursuits.
2025-26
< 3 yr varsity starter
< All region honorable mention (only junior Cb)
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