Arik Armstead: What Fate Will Become of the Nation's Top Lineman?

Big-time doesn't even begin to describe Arik Armstead. His undecided status makes him the most-sought-after lineman in the nation hands down, and you can bet that his top five choices are all gunning to put this guy on their roster. 

If Armstead embodies one word, it is quite simply "beast." His work ethic, his physical frame and build, and his smarts help make this lineman one of the most desired in America. Scout.com ranks the kid as the best high school football player in this year's class, while Rivals.com puts him all the way down at 26th.

Coming in at a huge 6'8" and 275 pounds, this senior is dangerous on both sides of the ball. Playing his high school ball in Pleasant Grove, California, Armstead starred as both an offensive and a defensive tackle. His aggressiveness and ability to go after the ball are what coaches loved most about him, but what position he play in college is still undetermined.

As of the All-American Bowl, Armstead was still uncommitted. After the game ended, he was caught confirming his top five choices to play college ball:

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"Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, Auburn, Texas. I have taken visits to Notre Dame, Oregon, and Cal but not to Texas or Auburn yet. I may take one more visit in a couple of days but if not, then I will not take any more visits. I am either going to visit Texas or Auburn. I have no favorites right now. I want to play defensive line in college. Defensive tackle."

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Gunning to take down quarterbacks instead of protect them, Armstead pledges that he desires to anchor a defensive line. As a DT or DE, he has the speed and strength to make any O-Line game plan around double- or triple-teaming him. 

Just recently, Cal has picked up a ton of recruits. Notre Dame also grabbed a few at the All-American Bowl. Texas has been somewhat silent after starting out the recruiting season by grabbing some big-time players. Auburn and Oregon have done well, but they haven't been spectacular. Point is, Armstead would be a powerful addition to any of these programs.

It's not exactly in my skill set to predict where a recruit of his caliber will end up, so don't expect me to try. However, Armstead wants to not only be an immediate impact, but to also win a national title. When it comes to title contenders, that I can take a look at.

Texas is solid, but certainly in a rebuilding mode. After losing the national title to Alabama in 2009, they haven't returned to prominence. Armstead would easily have a big impact on this D-Line, especially since recruit Malcolm Brown would be joining him. 

Notre Dame is finally coming into their own under head coach Brian Kelly. Improving every year, the Irish still leave a lot to be desired, but they truly will be a force sometime in the near future. A strong defense can always use more talent, and Armstead brings that with ease.

Auburn won the national title last season with Heisman QB Cam Newton, but the Tigers didn't exactly impress in the toughest division in America this past year. Certainly a viable option, yet a dangerous decision considering LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas owned the SEC West and seem like they will continue that trend in the future. 

Cal is close to home and presents a great option on the national scale. After losing to the Longhorns in the Holiday Bowl, the Golden Bears are still big-time threats in the Pac-12. Consistent coaching has been important to their success, however, and Cal's DC Clancy Pendergast may be leaving.

Finally, there's Oregon, which is the top contender on this list. Still not that far from home, the Ducks powerful offense pulled off a huge Rose Bowl win earlier in January. Winning the Pac-12 and competing in the National Title game just a season ago, Chip Kelly has Oregon in prime position to once again return to the BCS.

Wherever Armstead chooses to take his talents, he can be successful. Watch for him to make his decision sometime just before National Signing Day, and expect it to make widespread ripples.