Arik Armstead: 5 Reasons Top Recruit Could Recommit to USC

Early last month, Arik Armstead, the big DE/OT recruit from northern California, sent shock waves through the country by announcing his de-commitment from USC. We had gotten word he was scheduling visits with other schools, but the official announcement was still a shocker.

Armstead has made trips to Notre Dame and Alabama and also likes Michigan and Cal.

Daunting for Troy, sure, but I'm here to shine an optimistic light on USC's recruiting efforts for Armstead.

Here are five reasons why it's possible Armstead indeed signs with USC.

5. SC Is Back on the Rise

Being 8-2, USC looks like a program that has shown solid improvement since last year. You could make an argument that USC is on the rise.

Next year, the Trojans will return to being eligible for postseason play, and the season will have stakes at hand. There is a wealth of young and promising talent on the roster, and if ol' No .7 comes back, this team may be a Pac-12 title contender and in the BCS bowl hunt.

Armstead could be thinking the same thing and decide to join in on the fun.

4. Originally Committed

Yeah, I know this reason could be at any notch on this list, but I'm sticking it here. It always says something when a player de-commits from a school but still has a good amount of interest.

Armstead says he's still very tight with the USC coaches and loves Ed Orgeron. We all know the prowess and legendary hauls Orgeron has made on the recruiting trail, so that says something as well.

It's a main reason why Armstead felt so comfortable and confident pledging to USC to begin with.

3. Not Far from Home

With Armstead being from northern California, he wouldn't be too far from home with USC in Los Angeles.

Heck, whenever he feels homesick, Armstead could just hop on a super-cheap hour-long flight back home. Or he could take a road trip that's only about a four- or five-hour drive each way.

Heading to LA would keep him on the West Coast and would not be culture shock for Armstead.

2. Chance to Play with His Brother

Arik is the younger brother of current USC DE/DT Armond Armstead. Armond is being redshirted due to medical conditions but will be able to play football next season.

There is some talk Armond could opt for the NFL, but I don't think he'd be a high pick next April. Coming back for a year to show he's fully healthy, on a possible title-contending team, would be in his best interest.

If so, the chance to wreak some havoc with Armond may be a grand option for little brother Arik.

1. Promise of Playing DE

With Arik Armstead being 6'8", 280 pounds and a good athlete, some say he could be an NFL-caliber left tackle. Scout.com even lists him as the top offensive tackle prospect in the nation.

Only thing is, Arik Armstead could not care less about being an OT. He wants to play defensive end and defensive tackle if he has to.

Armstead has said that any school recruiting him as an OT likely won't be considered. He's also told Scout.com that USC has told him it wants him to play strong-side DE—the position Armstead feels he's best suited for.