NoCal DL continues to see stock rise

Four-star defensive tackle/offensive tackle Armond Armstead (6-6, 287) from Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove has seen his stock continue to soar after hitting the camp circuit and impressing at every stop. Armstead was one of the very best at the NIKE Camp held in Palo Alto then kept it going with strong performances at both the UCLA and USC camps.

"I learned a lot about football from Coach Todd Howard at UCLA and from Coaches Nick Holt and David Watson at the USC Camp," Armstead said. "USC's philosophy is to go hard all the time because if you go hard all the time you get in the habit and it will help you win games. Coach Howard taught me a lot of technique and moves that I have been working on at school.

"I think I did well at the USC Camp even though I tweaked my back a week ago I worked through it," Armstead said. "I talked to Coach Holt, Coach Rocky Seto, Coach Pat Ruel and Coach Pete Carroll after the camp.

"They said all the positive stuff amongst themselves and said they will get back to me on Wednesday," Armstead said. "I expect an offer from USC when they get back to me.

"I'm going to talk to Coach Karl Dorrell and Coach Howard tomorrow (Saturday June 23rd) at UCLA," Armstead said. "Coach Dorrell wants to talk to me about what is going on with UCLA's recruiting. I hope I get an offer.

Armstead plays for a school that has only been in existence for three years and he will be part of the first senior class in the school history.

Even though he played on a team with only sophomores and juniors, he still earned all-league honors after accounting for 49 tackles and one sack.

In the weight room, Armstead is currently benching 295, squats 450 and cleans 280. He has recorded a very impressive for a big man 30.5-inch vertical.

An outstanding all-around athlete, Armstead is also a very good basketball player and is ranked amongst the best big men in Northern California.

There is a very good reason for that because is Dad, Gus Armstead, is a well known basketball guru in the Sacramento Area and has trained the likes of Bobby Jackson and UCLA Bruin, now a Golden State Warrior Matt Barnes.

In an earlier interview with Rivals.com Pleasant Grove Coach Joe Cattolico had the following to say about his talented big man.

"Armond is very athletic for a big man," Cattolico said. "He played defensive tackle, offensive tackle, tight end and defensive end for us as a junior. He will play more tight end as a senior so can use his size advantage over the opposition.

"Armond could play on either side of the ball in college and has plenty of potential at both."