Oregon '12 CA DE Arik Armstead (Verbal Offer/ Oregon LOI)

**zimmsbg78** · 11-09-2010, 09:16 AM

Strongside Defensive End
Elk Grove, California
Pleasant Grove

Links of Interest:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/footbal...Armstead-99535

Height:6'7"
Weight:280 lbs
40:5.6 secs
Shuttle:4.93
Vertical:23 inches
Class:2012 (High School)

Multimedia
Rivals video on Arik Armstead
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recrui...630e33e92c1c32
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recrui...m4yP3banvs5cF_

You Tube

You Tube

**zimmsbg78** · 11-09-2010, 09:16 AM

Arik Armstead

**zimmsbg78** · 11-09-2010, 09:29 AM

ISD and Rivals are both reporting a offer to Arik. Arik is currently a verbal commit to U$C, where his brother (Armond Armstead) currently plays.

Arik commited to U$C early but has since became a soft verbal commit. He currently has offers from Bama, UCLA, U$C, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Florida, Cal, ND, Fresno State, Nevada, Tennessee, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State. He also holds a offer from Nevada and recruiting attention from the entire Pac-10 for basketball.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/preps/archiv...t-grove-7.html

Quote:

Pleasant Grove lineman Armstead receives another major scholarship offer

Arik Armstead is only a junior, but he's firm on the radar of national football recruiting radars.

The 6-foot-7, 270-pound Pleasant Grove High School two-way lineman was offered a scholarship this week by Florida. Last week it was Alabama. The week before it was Notre Dame. Over the summer it was USC.

Here's why: The kid can dominate, he's athletic, powerful, instinctive, a superb student, a quality young man with tremendous upside.

In other words, a major coup for the team that lands him.

I have seen him take charge on the offensive line, chase down quarterbacks, block punts. His teammates love him, his coaches enjoy working with him, his teachers appreciate his leadership and academic focus.

And to think that his best sport might just be basketball. Scary.

**NDisNCin2010** · 11-09-2010, 09:33 AM

has there ever been a brother combo where one went to USC and one to ND?
we came close couple yrs ago with Malcom and Steve Smith a few years back...and i know about the father/son mcdonald story...but do we know any brothers?

**irishunclebill** · 11-11-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDisNCin2010

has there ever been a brother combo where one went to USC and one to ND?
we came close couple yrs ago with Malcom and Steve Smith a few years back...and i know about the father/son mcdonald story...but do we know any brothers?

I don't recall any brother combos like that off the top of my head and it's doubtful that Arik will break the mold but he has said a few times now that he has a definite interest in ND and plans to visit the campus next summer.

**zimmsbg78** · 01-05-2011, 09:05 AM

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com...sp?CID=1172633 (free)

Quote:

SAN ANTONIO - Saturday will be a big day when it comes to the class of 2011, with double-digit prospects making their school declarations and the best of the best from the recruiting class strutting their stuff on the field at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

However, it will also be a big day for a few top prospects from the class of 2012 as they are announced as members of next year's Army All-American Bowl.

Rounding out the list is a prospect that could play on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove defensive tackle/offensive tackle Arik Armstead, an early USC commitment, chose the Trojans over offers from California, UCLA, Washington Notre Dame, Alabama and others.

**zimmsbg78** · 02-14-2011, 09:31 AM

http://www.calihighsports.com/articles/297

Quote:

With the 2010 high school season football coming to a close it's time to look ahead to the Class of 2012. Cali High Sports is the first site to come out with its list of the top players for 2012 as we unveil our Cali High's Top 15 which will be re-evaluated and expanded to a top 25 over the spring and summer. For a look at our 2011 rankings, click here.

We continue our countdown to #1 with Pleasant Grove offensive tackle Arik Armstead, an early USC commit who could probably already hold his own at the college level.

#3 Arik Armstead

School: Pleasant Grove

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height: 6’7

Weight: 275

Schools Considering: USC (committed)

NFL Comparison: Ryan Clady

In recent years the offensive tackle has gone from underappreciated and unrecognizable to valued and necessary in the eyes of casual football fans. Protecting the quarterback has become the highest priority in today’s game and with defensive lineman getting bigger, stronger and faster, a monstrous left tackle is a vital part to any team with hopes of contending.

So USC fans should be happy to know that one of the best Californian offensive lineman prospects in recent memory has committed to be a Trojan. Looking at Arik Armstead, you would think he is already taking classes at USC instead of being just a junior in high school.

At 6’7 275 pounds he is simply dominant physically. He is always the biggest player on the field and thanks to his foreboding size and growing reputation, he intimidates most players going against him. The thing about Armstead is, he’s not just big. He maximizes his strength, he’s in great shape, and he is really fit and quick for somebody his size.

In pass protection, Armstead does a great job getting into his backpedal. Guys who hope to use their speed and agility to get around him quickly realize this big man can move. Armstead has great footwork and is able to easily handle defenders trying to creep around the outside. Guys who try to go straight at him have no chance, as his tree trunk arms usually flatten the defender to the crowd. Being an offensive tackle is all about protecting the quarterback and Arik does that flawlessly.

In run protection Arik is a great lead blocker who opens massive running lanes for his backs. His surprising athletic ability and agility allow him to really get out on the outside on sweeps and screen passes and on runs off the tackle he does a great job of directing the guy he is blocking. At the high school level Armstead is such a dominant run blocker that running behind him is pretty much a guaranteed 5 yards or more. Arik also shows a great motor and never stops moving until the whistle is blown.

Arik Armstead isn’t just a great prospect, he is an exceptional prospect. He is a sure fire All-American who will likely be an All-American at the next level as well.

The next level?: Arik has already committed to USC and Coach Kiffin has to be happy with his 2012 class. USC fans might be a little nervous about early commits decommiting at the last moment after what happened with De’Anthony Thomas, but Arik is a USC guy who’s brother also starred for the Trojans.

Look for Arik to make a huge impact the second he steps on the field at the Coliseum.

**zimmsbg78** · 02-16-2011, 01:13 PM

http://footballrecruiting.247sports....-of-2012-15388

Quote:

As with any recruiting class, its early identity is formed by the best that group has to offer. In fact, most classes are defined by those best prospects – five-star prospects.

Exactly two weeks after National Singing Day, 247Sports is ready to lay the foundation for the class of 2012 with the first release of five-star prospects.

After contentious debate that included numerous prospects that just missed this early five-star list, seven prospects emerged as unanimous five-star prospects at this early stage.

This list will definitely grow - and it should be noted there is no guarantee that any of these prospects will keep their five-star rating throughout the process. However, the bar has been set for the class of 2012 with the following names.

Arik Armstead, OT/SDE, Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove High School

In the class of 2011, it was Cyrus Kouandjio. In the class of 2010 it was Seantrel Henderson. The 2009 class featured DJ Fluker, and the list goes on. Every year, there seems to be one prospect that has that NFL offensive tackle look about him as far as frame, athleticism, talent and upside.

This year, that player is Arik Armstead.

The towering athlete stands 6 feet 7 and weighs 280 pounds. He is far from maxed out physically, and he has incredible athleticism and explosiveness at that size. In fact, the one problem with comparing Armstead to those dominant tackles of classes past is that he could very well end up on the defensive side of the ball. He has that kind of rare versatility and athleticism.

An early commitment to USC, Armstead's brother Armond is also a Trojan.

**zimmsbg78** · 03-24-2011, 09:07 AM

http://www.theringer.com/Article/New...-Arik-Armstead

Quote:

Arik Armstead | LT | 6-7 275 | Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove

Scouting Report

Positives
Hip Flex/Athleticism. Flexes at the hip very easily and effortlessly; the less stiffness, the easier it is to get leverage and typically the harder it is to find in the tallest of players, which Arik is.

Length. Long armed and combined with his athleticism tells you that not only tackle but left tackle should be in his future.

Upper Body Strength. Stronger upper body and he sometimes relies on that strength too much but he needs to rely on it less heavily in the future.

Attitude. Can play with a nasty streak and likes to finish his blocks.

Questions
Base Work. Inconsistent footwork, sometimes getting too outside his stance; with work though he has the natural footwork and balance that he should be great in this area.

Lower Body Strength. Doesn’t get great drive from his lower base. Some of that is due to the footwork, some of that is due to the lack of strength, but using that hip flex for better leverage and proper strength in his lower half should bring an improvement here.

We see Arik as having a great future at left tackle. You don’t see many kids come along with his size and athleticism, which is exactly what college and pro scouts are looking for. Last year during the off-season he grew an inch and added 30 pounds, so he very possibly isn’t done growing just yet either. He has the length you love to see and the arm strength, so it’s going to be even harder to beat him on the edge rush. The way he approaches the game, the love he has for it and the nastiness he can show also add up to big plusses for him. There are some issues, like his footwork that need to be addressed but that’s very typical of a high school lineman, the bigger issue is does he have the athleticism and quick feet to handle it and that’s an easy yes as he’s also a good basketball player (typically a good transition for footwork). He needs more strength in his lower half but again as a kid growing into his quickly growing body in a typical high school strength program, this isn’t too big of a surprise.

College Outlook

Arik was the 2nd verbal to USC’s 2012 class and is a solid verbal at that. His older brother Armond is a Trojan and that seals the deal there. We feel Arik could see a very similar future path as possible first round pick Tyron Smith did as they both share the elite athleticism trait. There shouldn’t be a rush for Armstead to see the field so a RS season and another year of learning and spot play should be enough for Arik to grow into his body and become ready to hit the field. Whether that is at right tackle at first might be a reality but his future long term in both college and professionally is at left tackle. The only hurdles ahead to stop him from at worst becoming an above average starter is his ability to add leg strength (not a worry, he’s growing into a new body and the muscle takes time to catch up) and the footwork (basketball past and athleticism say this is an easy issue to tackle). Arik has a very bright future and we would not be surprised to see him be a 2-3 year starter with All-Conference, and maybe All-American, potential.

**zimmsbg78** · 04-05-2011, 12:03 PM

http://footballrecruiting.247sports....12-class-21031 (free)

Quote:

Los Angeles, Calif. – What goes into the making of the nation’s top football prospect? In the case of Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove lineman Arik Armstead, the answer is not a simple one.

When 247Sports releases The247 - its initial rankings for the 2012 class - on Wednesday, Armstead will be listed as the No. 1 prospect in America. But even among the fraternity of No. 1 prospects, Armstead is unique.

Armstead is the top offensive tackle in the country, but he likely won’t play offensive tackle on the next level; he wants to play defensive line.

Armstead won’t get much experience playing defensive line this spring at camps or combines because he’ll be too busy playing basketball.

Armstead missed the Los Angeles Nike Camp on Sunday because he was playing in an AAU basketball game across town. His 20 points helped his team to an overtime victory. That’s just the kind of athlete that Armstead is - no matter the position.

At 6 feet 8 and 285 pounds, Armstead has natural strength and athleticism. At offensive tackle, Armstead shows the feet of – well – a basketball player. He also shows the mean streak and finisher’s mentality of a defensive lineman. Considering his plan is to play exclusively defensive line in college, that makes sense as well.

As good as Armstead is though, he is far from reaching his incredibly high ceiling. How could he? He hasn’t even focused in on one sport yet, much less one position.

“I feel it’s a great honor [to be named the nation’s top player],” Armstead said before his basketball game on Sunday. “I don’t really try to worry about rankings too much, but for you to have me that high is a great honor. Now I’m going to take it with me and now I’ve got to keep working and get better to hold that spot.”

With a talented national class, Armstead will certainly have plenty of competition for that top spot. However, he isn’t focused on the other names gunning for him - though he knows the target is there.

“For me it’s more of a personal competition,” he said. “I know some of the guys that are good and I talk to them a little bit, but no vendettas or anything. Personally, I just work out and focus on what I have to do to get better.

“[The target on my back] motivates me and that’s been motivating me for a while. I always know people know who I am and are looking to do something against me, so I know I always have to play hard and be competitive and have a killer instinct.”

Talking to Armstead, it’s hard to imagine the killer instinct is actually there. You can see his ferocious play and toughness on film, but he is soft-spoken, and well-spoken, in person.

Armstead's older brother may be able to take credit for helping develop Arik's toughness.

Armond Armstead was a highly touted high school prospect in the class of 2008 who signed with USC. Armond’s senior season in 2011 will likely be his third season as a starter for the Trojans.

Arik credits much of his success to his older brother, both on and off the field.

“My brother has definitely helped me a lot,” he said. “Going through the process, I got to watch everything he did, watch all his games, watch him be recruited and watch him in college, too. I’ve watched most of his games, so my brother has definitely helped me in my football career.”

Following in his older brother’s footsteps, Arik is a USC commit and has been for some time; he committed to the Trojans during his sophomore year. Arik also plans on following in his brother’s footsteps by playing on the defensive line in college.

Despite his offensive talents, USC has been happy to oblige Arik's preference to play defense.

“SC wants me to play defense, and I’ve been doing stuff with Coach (Ed) Orgeron and watching film and everything," Armstead said. "I feel like I’m going to be an excellent college defensive lineman.

“They’ll have me maybe doing something like my brother. He’s bounced around a lot playing D-end and D-tackle. I’m going to play strongside defensive end, so they want me to come in my freshman year and be a pass rush specialist, too.”

Armstead is firm in his pledge to the Trojans, but he is also interested in seeing some other schools nationally.

“I plan on taking some visits next year just to get out and see some other places,” he said. “It’s not final yet, but I was thinking about Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Miami and SC of course. I’ve talked to (Nick) Saban before, I’ve talked to (Gene) Chizik before, Coach Brennan Carroll at Miami, definitely have talked with my brother’s coaches at SC and at Florida with Coach Bryant Young.

"I’ve built relationships with a lot of them, so I just want to get out and see. I’m only a high school senior once, so I feel like I need to get out and see what else is out there.”

11-09-2010, 09:16 AM	#2
zimmsbg78 Moderator Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 5,863 vCash: 500	Arik Armstead Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

11-09-2010, 09:33 AM	#4
NDisNCin2010 Gold Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 4,104 vCash: 500	has there ever been a brother combo where one went to USC and one to ND? we came close couple yrs ago with Malcom and Steve Smith a few years back...and i know about the father/son mcdonald story...but do we know any brothers? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Don't like the advertisements? Become a Gold Club Supporting Member today to remove them!