Despite a national television audience, Pleasant Grove football player Arik Armstead did not use the setting of the U.S. Army’s All-American football game in San Antonio to announce his plans for college. The 6-8, 280-pound lineman did wear #99 and play defensive end for the victorious West squad as they defeated the East All-Stars, 24-12, a week ago Saturday.
The game, televised on NBC, has become a stage for the nation’s top high school recruits to play one final game as a prep star and, for many of the participants, announce their choice of college football programs. Grant’s Shaq Thompson during the game’s fourth quarter said he’s following his brother Syd and former Pacer teammates Vei Moala and Puka Lopa to Cal. Moala and Lopa will be sophomores this fall in Berkeley. The elder Thompson is now a reserve defensive back with the Denver Broncos.
Elk Grove’s Steven Moore, an offensive lineman, has also verbally committed to Cal.
Sources at Pleasant Grove have told me that Armstead has narrowed choices to Cal, Auburn and Oregon. Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee has reported in his blog that Armstead spent this weekend at Auburn and is registered for classes this spring.
Our sources say Armstead is trying to attend a college that will allow him and his older brother Armond to play together this fall. Armond, who has been at Southern Cal the past four years, still has a year of eligibility so if he's in the equation for Arik, then the brothers will have to attend a school outside of the Pac 12.
Arik is also wanting to play basketball in college. Davidson has reported that Arik has played his last game for Pleasant Grove. I have heard that Armstead has been offered a spot on the basketball roster at both Notre Dame and Auburn.
If he's going to follow through, we all should hear soon.
Graduating prep stars can make their college choices official beginning Feb. 1 when the NCAA National Letter of Intents can be signed.
Locally, Cosumnes Oaks wide receiver Michael Thomas has said he’ll attend Nevada-Las Vegas while his teammates, quarterback Andrew Williams and cornerback/receiver Marcus Rios, will go to Idaho and UCLA, respectively.
Pleasant Grove defensive back Desmond Lewis is committed to Air Force. Nate Iese, the big tight end/defensive end from Sheldon, has offers from schools such as UCLA and Nebraska, but has not announced his intentions. Last Friday scouts from Nebraska and Nevada talked to Iese after the Sheldon/Jesuit basketball game.
I got a text Friday that Elk Grove's defensive back/running back Deon Ransom is going to sign with Sacramento State. Sheldon coach Josh Crabtree texted Kyi Thomas, a wonderful athlete who could also play basketball, bas an offer from the Hornets, too.
Elk Grove linebacker Josh Letuligasenoa has had contacts from several area colleges, but may end up joining older brother Lefi at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.
Another Huskie, defensive lineman Antonio Perez, has just returned from a visit to Idaho. He also has an offer from Sac State.
Another Huskie, defensive lineman Antonio Perez, has just returned from a visit to Idaho. He also has an offer from Sac State.
Other locals that may also ink letters of intent include kicker Marcus White, running back Mark Jenkins, linebacker D.J. Dunn and quarterback Cody Demps of Pleasant Grove and Franklin linebacker Nathan DiDonato. …
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