Armstead has passion for defense
Arik Armstead was in Southern California last weekend but didn't attend USC's spring game. However, Trojan fans have nothing to worry about since Armstead was busy playing AAU basketball and couldn't make it to Los Angeles for the football scrimmage.
Armstead is definitely not looking around one bit. He's just busy with his other love - basketball - and the Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove lineman is still set on playing both sports in college.
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"I was too worried about (the basketball tournament) I kind of forgot about (the spring game) but I really wish I could go out there and watch them play some football," Armstead said.
Armstead, a 6-foot-8, 280-pound prospect, played with Team Superstars at the Pangos Spring Sweet 16 in Corona, Calif., last weekend and was one of the standout players at the entire event.
A couple weeks ago, Armstead played with Compton Magic at the Fullcourt Press Easter Classic in Las Vegas.
The Northern California prospect is pegged to play defensive end for USC, the position he has the most passion for and assistant coach Ed Orgeron is reportedly thrilled to work with Armstead, just like Orgeron has with Armstead's older brother, Armond.
"It's very important to me to play (defensive end)," Armstead said. "Coach O and everybody are always talking about defense when I go up there and it's going to be very fun. I love playing defense and it feels like you can make more plays so that's what I'm going to do.
"I love tackling people, getting sacks, it's just more fun. It's not like I dislike offense. I think I can be a pretty good offensive lineman too but I'm more passionate about playing defense."
Pretty much every major program has offered Armstead, who committed to the Trojans last June. He said in Las Vegas a few weeks ago that USC football coach Lane Kiffin and basketball coach Kevin O'Neill have signed off on him playing both sports.