Should Armond Armstead Return to USC Trojans in 2012?

The mystery of Trojan defensive tackle/end Armond Armstead's illness remains, but the result of it was manifested in a press conference where USC head coach Lane Kiffin announced that Armstead will be given a redshirt for the 2011 season.

Saying it was "too late in the season" for Armstead to realistically come back this year, Kiffin suggested that he would like him to return in 2012 to bolster what will be a depleted front four next year.

For Armstead, it had to be equal parts frustrating and disappointing, as he has been prone to injury throughout his Trojans career but had worked very hard to get himself ready for the 2011 season.

Now Armstead will have to make a very tough decision—to return to the Trojans or leave for a shot in the NFL.

What should he do? Certainly both options have their benefits.

If he comes back, he will have an opportunity to play with his younger brother Arik, a touted 5-star defensive end/offensive tackle.

Those opportunities don't come around too often.

Also, in 2012 the Trojans will need to replenish a defensive line that will lose at least two starters to graduation and probably defensive end Nick Perry to the NFL.

On a team that is expected to be very good next year, Armstead would have a chance to shine as a feature player on the defensive interior.

Speaking of shining, let's not forget that 2012 will also be the Trojans' first opportunity since 2009 to play in a bowl game.

Certainly Armstead would have to consider that caveat in any notion of returning.

But there are also drawbacks, and those might drive the talented lineman to thoughts of turning pro.

For one, he is on target to graduate this year, so his academic pursuits have been fulfilled, at least in the short term.

As well, if he is indeed healthy, Armstead has the physical tools and the almighty "measurables" to take his game to the next level.

Yet even this might not be the driving factor in Armstead's determination to leave.

Certainly from his perspective there may be an even important consideration: Namely, what if he still isn't cleared by USC's doctors to play in 2012?

Historically, the good doctors at "Trojanville" have always erred on the side of caution when it comes to allowing players with health issues to return to the gridiron.

Don't believe me?

Ask Frankie Telfort, a prized 2009 recruit whose heart condition forced him to the sidelines, and Jarvis Jones, a beast of a linebacker who now is one of Georgia's best players after being told by Trojans doctors that he would not be allowed to return to the football team.

So the notion that Armstead will not be allowed to play for USC must also be weighed carefully in the big man's decision to return to the Trojans.

It appears that young Armond will have a lot on his plate as he ponders his next move.

Sadly for Armstead and Trojans fans everywhere, he will have plenty of time to make that decision.