USC Recruiting: Trojans Pick Up A Huge 2012 Pledge

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that when offensive lineman Marcus Martin gave USC his verbal pledge to play football for the Trojans in 2011, he had made a statement that said USC was going to be okay despite the heavy sanctions leveled at them by the NCAA for violations related to Reggie Bush.

Further, I opined that given the timing of Martin's acceptance of USC's offer, Trojan fans owed a debt of gratitude to Marcus Martin for his faith in Lane Kiffin and the institution of USC football.

Now another verbal pledge, this time from a huge (figuratively and literally) 2012 prospect, should have Trojan fans just as obligated to offer their thanks for a prospect that has shown faith in Trojan football.

And while your at it, give a tip of the hat to Armond Armstead for the role he played in helping sway his younger brother Arik, to pledge to the Trojans today.

As reported by Scout.com, young Arik Armstead, all 6'7" and 265 pounds as a junior at Pleasant Grove high school in Elk Grove, CA, gave his verbal acceptance to the Trojans today and no doubt big brother Armond had plenty to do with the decision.

Armond Armstead, a 6'5," 300 pound defensive end whom the Trojans are expecting very big things from, will eventually play, if he stays healthy, and star in the NFL.

And when he does, his little brother will carry on the Armstead legacy at USC.

So while you are thanking Arik for his faith in Trojan football, thank big brother Armond for helping sell a product, USC, to his little brother whom I am sure he loves dearly.

The elder Armstead already knows coach Kiffin and his staff and is imminently aware of how USC will go forth, at least this year, shackled by the sanctions delivered the NCAA.

That his older brother would offer his endorsement of the Trojans to his brother must have spoke volumes of the faith Armond has in the future of the Trojans.

In Arik Armstead the Trojans are getting an impressive talent who will develop under the tutelage of whichever line coach inherits him and by the time he is ready to see the field, he will be a force.

In the meantime, he will continue to grow, again, literally, and star in high school where he is expected to dominate whoever is unlucky enough to be across from him on the line of scrimmage.

As an aside, Arik Armstead had attended a UCLA football camp earlier in the day before going to USC and giving the Trojans his verbal commitment.

Apparently young Arik was less than impressed with what the Bruins had to offer eh?

Arik Armstead was named a "super sophomore" by GoldenStatePreps.com in 2009 and along with all that size, young Arik also is nimble enough to play basketball.

Quite a package for a young man of 16 years.

The younger Armstead will decide between the offensive and defensive lines but whatever he chooses, he has the talent to excel at the highest level.

Oh, and it is interesting to note that Armstead has stated his intention to play both football and basketball for the Trojans opening up the possibility that a precious scholarship may be saved for the football program if Armstead can impress USC head coach, Kevin O'Neill, enough to warrant a full ride for Trojan hoops.

The dividend that Arik Armstead pays on the field is quantifiable but in choosing the Trojans, he has, like Marcus Martin, put his stamp of approval for the future of USC football.

And like Martin, his verbal pledge to the Trojans will signal to others that USC will be okay despite the severity of the NCAA sanctions of a couple of weeks ago.

So Trojan fans consider thanking Arik Armstead for his faith in USC football and if so inclined, mark him down, along with Marcus Martin, as two very important USC recruits in terms of how USC goes forward in the recruiting process.

Oh, and while your at it, you might want to thank big brother Armond as well...