It means the Ducks have another big, strong body at the defensive end position, a spot where they were thin in numbers. Armstead is, at last report, 6-8, 295. He has good quickness and strength, so he’s an excellent candidate to join the rotation at Terrell Turner’s strong side defensive end spot as a true freshman. He’s enrolling for spring term and will be able to participate in spring practice, making him a strong candidate for early playing time.
It means all the noise about Chip Kelly’s exploration of an NFL job or a lingering effect from the Will Lyles investigation is flat wrong. With their recent success, cool uniforms and great facilities, Oregon remains an attractive destination for premier recruits, a school that stands out to them and many investigate and choose for their short list. Oregon is now competing for many of the most talented student athletes in the country, and winning their share. In the last two years they’ve landed the top recruits on the West Coast in De’Anthony Thomas and Armstead, players just a decade ago that would have been automatic locks to USC.
It increases the chances (but in no way guarantees) that other top talent will follow Armstead to Eugene, particularly his good friend and close confidant in the recruiting process, 6-2, 215-lb., 5-star safety Shaq Thompson, also from the Sacramento area and another former Cal commit. It builds momentum for Signing Day, and undecided recruits can be swept up in that momentum. Oregon is a legitimate national title contender with three straight conference titles, a Rose Bowl win and three of the last four years in the Top Ten. They play an entertaining style of football before a capacity crowd in one of the most loud and energetic stadiums in the country. The campus is beautiful, the people are friendly and the scenery is magnificent. Armstead putting on the Oregon hat before two dozen reporters validates all that, again.
It means Cal, UW and USC didn’t get him.
Finally, if the young man from Sacramento applies himself on the practice field and in the weight room and classroom, he can become a great, dominating college football player. Strong defensive linemen with quickness are the rarest and most valuable commodity in the game. They limit what the offense can do and disrupt what they do best. Matt Barkley might not look so comfortable in November, squeezed between Arik Armstead and Dion Jordan. With an improved secondary and stronger pass rush, plus no Matt Kalil protecting Barkley’s blindside, the result could be two touchdowns different. Pressure on the quarterback is one of the most important facets of the game. An elite, talented lineman can transform a defense.
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