Arik Armstead Decommits from USC: Who Are the Top Contenders?

Scout.com lists him as the No.1 overall player and prospect for the 2012 class.

USC had him in their 2012 recruiting class, but Arik Armstead now says otherwise.

Armstead has decommitted from USC and is now back on the market and reopen to the recruiting process.

Who are the top contenders for the 6'8" 280-pound DE prospect?

Let's check and see.

Notre Dame

Armstead is scheduled to visit Notre Dame this weekend, according to NBC Sports. Shockingly enough, this is when they host none other than USC.

This has to be an annoying thorn to Lane Kiffin.

The Irish seem to be recruiting him as a DE, since Armstead has stated he wants to play defense in college and seems uninterested in playing OT.

Look for the Irish to really put the press on this weekend to steal him away from one of their arch rivals.

Alabama

Doesn't it seem like Alabama is always in the hunt for every 5-star recruit? Yeah, they're hunting Armstead too, which is about as shocking as a story from Buzz Killington.

Armstead will visit Tuscaloosa on November 4th, according to ESPN, for what is likely going to be billed as this year's "Game of the Century," when LSU comes to town.

With their NFL business-like atmosphere, rabid fans and great facilities, look for 'Bama to impress the big fella'.

Michigan

Michigan's class is almost full, but I'm sure Brady Hoke would find a way to squeeze in Armstead, who says he will give Big Blue a look now that he's open for business again.

Greg Mattison could take Armstead's frame and athleticism and stick him on the strong side as a DE, or beef him up to becoming a big but super athletic DT in Ann Arbor.

There's no date set yet, but look for Michigan to get a visit from Armstead.

California

Cal has a history of battling and stealing some recruits from USC, even dating back to beating USC out for DeSean Jackson in 2005.

So, if Armstead heads to Berkley, this would only add to the Bears' efforts and rivalry with USC. Jeff Tedford's class isn't overly impressive, but Cal usually finds a way to finish strong on the trail.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Armstead take a trip to Cal: It is not far from his Northern California home.

USC

Now, just because Armstead has decommitted and told Scout.com that he has been disappointed with how his brother Armond's medical treatment has been handled, he still is considering the Trojans.

He says he still talks regularly with the coaches and has good relationships with the staff. USC is going to have to work on Armstead extremely, extremely hard to get him back in the fold.

But there is hope.