Arik Armstead commits to Oregon Ducks
Five-star offensive line recruit Arik Armstead pulled a De’Anthony Thomas and has chosen the Oregon Ducks after previously committing to the USC Trojans. Armstead made his choice at his church on Sunday afternoon, and the top recruit in the west will play basketball and football at Oregon. However, Armstead wants to play on the defensive line, and this isn’t the best set-up for him. He can become a solid defensive tackle, but his upside as an offensive tackle is far more tantalizing. As an offensive lineman, Armstead has the chance to become a solid draft pick and be a dynamic centerpiece for the Ducks.
“I’m going to play defensive line,” said Armstead. “They are going to run a 3-4, which was also big for my decision. I see myself fitting in with the team and working with Coach Azzinaro. Hopefully he can turn me into an NFL draft pick.”
As a three technique, Armstead would most likely end up as a solid contributor with a small shot at making the NFL. There is far more to be gained if he decides to work on his technique and play on the offensive line. As a tackle, Armstead is a huge, athletic monster who drives back defensive linemen into the second level with his monstrous physical tools. While he is also solid in pass protection, his technique needs some work in that department.
“He was honest with me,” said Armstead. “I feel like the way Oregon approached this process, they were the most straight forward and honest with me. They never bad talked any other program. They simply explained and expressed a need for me in their program and how I would fit in. They pretty much recruited me without recruiting me. They just laid everything on the table and spoke the good about their program. I was happy with how I see myself fitting in there.”
The fact that Chip Kelly was nearly hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has not hurt his ability to recruit, and it has actually helped him as a recruiter. The Ducks have once again delivered and have another good, top 25 recruiting class.
Arik Armstead is a player with a tremendous work ethic who has the talent to become an All-American. He is a solid defensive lineman, but he is a great offensive lineman. Armstead will play on defense this season, but it isn’t the wisest choice for his future.
Although his technique needs to improve for him to perform to his full potential as a tackle, his athleticism is right up there with the best of them. He is 6’8″ and has incredibly long arms. With that mix of brutal strength and arm length, Armstead can hold off almost any charging pass rusher. What makes him such a terror is his athleticism and explosiveness. His ability to get off the line and destroy defenders is mind-boggling, and it might not even be human. Armstead is able to get to the second level with ease, and he is nothing short of remarkable as a run blocker.
Hopefully, he either reconsiders or moves on to the offensive side next season. Even as a defensive lineman, Armstead is still a four-star player and a top 75 recruit. As a tackle, he is a top ten recruit with NFL talent.
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