5-Star Recruit Arik Armstead Decommits from USC, What's the Next Step?

Arik Armstead is a 6'7", 270-pound beast at offensive tackle and is the top-ranked player in the West in ESPN top 150. He is also ranked in Rivals top 100 and is one of the top recruits from the 2012 class.

Armstead has said that, although he has decommitted from USC, he will still consider the Trojans while exploring other schools. He wouldn't get into great detail about why he changed his mind, but he did say that "my family has been a little disappointed with some things going on at USC."

"I was already taking visits, but I wanted all the schools recruiting me to understand that I had a legitimate interest in them," Armstead said.

As you may know, USC is currently banned from participating in bowl games and is on probation. Although Armstead did not address that, those issues played a part in his decision.

Armstead is the No. 1-rated player at offensive tackle on Scout.com, and he is considered one of the next great players at the position. He has great arm length and fantastic explosion off the ball. His strength is remarkable, and he is able to throw defenders out of the way with ease. 

“When I committed to USC, I felt it was the best fit for me, and I loved it there. But I have to find what's best for me and get out there and see some other schools."

Armstead also plans on visiting Notre Dame and LSU as some of the schools he is considering.

"I have my visit to Notre Dame this weekend and I'm visiting Alabama (Nov. 4)," he said. "I'm also looking at Cal, Washington and Michigan for my last few visits, but I think after word gets out that I've de-committed, I think a few more schools will come calling as well and I'm definitely open to that."

This is a big loss for the USC Trojans, and it doesn't look good for Lane Kiffin, though his entire career at the school hasn't. It seems like the only way things will change is until the program gets off probation or Kiffin decides to leave.