Arik Armstead: Ranking Most Likely Destinations for Stud Offensive Tackle

At No. 24 in the ESPNU 150 rankings, offensive tackle Arik Armstead is unquestionably one of the most high-profile recruits yet to commit. 

Because of that, plenty of national powers are in hot pursuit.

The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Armstead is the No. 3 offensive tackle, according to the ESPNU 150, and he is said to be considering a number of schools.

Armstead was apparently close to committing to California which is close to his hometown of Elk Grove, Calif., but reconsidered.

He was also considering USC; his brother, Armond, plays for the Trojans.  It doesn't seem as if USC is on his radar any longer, however. 

Here is a ranking of the likeliest destinations for Armstead.

Auburn

There has been talk that Armstead might join his brother at Auburn, but Armond is going to stay at USC.  Even so, the Tigers are still in the running for Armstead's services. 

The allure of playing in the SEC as well as the national championship from two seasons ago are certainly likely to appeal to Armstead. 

On top of that, head coach Gene Chizik seems to be a very persuasive recruiter.

As much as Auburn has going for it, Armstead must also consider how close it is to competing with the likes of LSU and Alabama. 

Those two schools competed for the national championship this past season and don't seem to be going anywhere any time soon.

If Armstead wants to play at the highest level, then Auburn is a good choice, but there may be some growing pains.

Notre Dame

In terms of prestige, you can't do much better than Notre Dame. 

While the Fighting Irish haven't exactly been a national power for quite some time, there's a certain amount of distinction that goes along with donning the golden dome.

In addition to that, head coach Brian Kelly is an offensive guru, so Armstead will clearly be of value.

Like Auburn, Notre Dame is a long way from home for Armstead.  It's tough to say how important that is to him, but it obviously meant something to his brother who went to USC.

If any school is going to pry him away from his home base, though, I think it's going to be Notre Dame. 

No matter how good or bad they are, playing for the Irish is a dream many football players have.

California

I understand that Armstead backed off after nearly committing to Cal, but I still consider the Golden Bears to be the favorites.

In terms of competing for a national championship, California is a long way away from that, but it offers things that other schools can't. 

Since Armstead lives just 90 minutes from campus, his family can see him play every home game, and I have to believe that's attractive.

On top of that, I don't think any team has shown more interest in Armstead.  Head coach Jeff Tedford has obviously made it a point to tell Armstead how important he would be to the team.

Armstead, along with safety Shaq Thompson, would be the crown jewel of Tedford's recruiting class, and would be charged with helping to turn around the program.

There's something to be said for a challenge.