Junior LB finishes off strong season

Junior linebacker TJ Armstrong of Clarion (Pa.) missed most of his sophomore season with an injury after a very successful freshman season, so he was eager to get back on the field this fall. He picked up right where he left off two years ago, and colleges have already begun to take notice.

"It was a learning year, kind of, for me cause I never played linebacker or running back before, but I feel that I had a pretty good year," said Armstrong, who played defensive end his freshman season. "The season just kept getting better and better every game, and that was a great thing because I could see myself progressing through the season."

Just as his play on the field progressed this fall, so has recruiting.

"I keep getting mail from Wisconsin, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Rutgers and West Virginia," said Armstrong, who is 6-foot-3 and 210-pounds. "I also just got mail from Illinois for the first time the other day."

So far this fall, Armstrong has taken three visits.

"I went to Pitt and I had a good time there," said Armstrong. "I went to Rutgers and met all the coaches. I liked it a lot there, but still my favorite is West Virginia. I went there for the Louisville game and I had a great time."

There are no other visits planned at this time, but that will likely change that after the new year.

"I plan on attending some junior days, but I'm not sure which ones yet," said Armstrong. "I'm just looking for a good and comfortable surrounding, great coaches and great football."

Armstrong finished his junior season with 123 tackles and seven sacks, and was named 1st team All-Conference linebacker and running back.