Trojan Catbird Seat

"He's clearly leaning heavily towards USC," said Armond Armstead's father, Gus. "His other two favorites are Washington and Oregon. But there's a really big chance he's going to USC. I don't think anything's gonna change between now and July 30 (when Armond plans to announce his decision at the Table 260 Restaurant in Elk Grove)..."

Armond Armstead, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound three-star defensive tackle (Scout.com's No. 26 nationally) from Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, Calif., will announce his decision, as previously reported, on July 30 - just days before the youngster's Aug. 3 birthday. The announcement will occur at the Table 260 Restaurant in Elk Grove, a favorite of Armond's.

"He's clearly leaning heavily towards USC," said his father, Gus. "His other two favorites are Washington and Oregon. But there's a really big chance he's going to USC. I don't think anything's gonna change between now and July 30.

"Armond likes the winning tradition at USC and he fell in love with Coach (Nick) Holt (defensive coordinator) and Coach (David) Watson (defensive line). He feels he can really develop there. Their coaching style is so intense, and he really likes that.

"He'll play defensive end, but he could also play defensive tackle," said Mr. Armstead, who is a self-employed basketball skills trainer and developer (tothehoop.com). "California wanted Armond to play offensive line but he's adamant about playing defense. He won't play offensive line.

"He showed he's at a different level at these camps he's been to," he said. "He's a real athlete and the USC coaches have told him they think he can run a 4.7 or 4.8 forty in college. He can really move. He's not just a big, chunky, slow kid. He has the potential to be really good. He's All-City in basketball too."

Armstead reports a 2.9 core GPA and a 1600 SAT.