Armstead to Defensive End

The northern California native, who stands an imposing 6’5, 295lbs, seemed the least likely of candidates to move to the outside.

“That’s what it’s looking like now,” said Armstead of the switch to strong-side defensive end. “I worked out at the position today, and coach (Jethro) Franklin talked to me about moving over last week.”

With his current height and weight making him a rather large defensive tackle, the move seemed unlikely, although the Sacramento (CA) native is optimistic about what will transpire.

With the defensive tackle position all he has known from his first year on campus, “Mondo” is beginning to come around to the move.

“I actually kind of like it,” he said of the switch, obviously aware of the fact that there aren’t too many 295lbs defensive ends in college football. “It opens things up for me, I get to come from the outside and use my athleticism more.”

A basketball star at the high school level, Armstead possesses the athleticism and overall quickness necessary for the move.

“I can bring what I did to any position on the defensive line,” he replied when asked what he could showcase at the defensive end position. “I can really use my size and speed.”

Newly hired defensive line coach Jethro Franklin has wasted little time in making movements throughout his group, and Armstead has enjoyed what he has seen from the coach in this short time.

“You have to respect him, he’s the guy deciding who plays,” said Armstead of Franklin. “He’s a real technician, and with his NFL experience everyone is going to listen to what he has to say.”

With the move outside, Armstead knows his stock can only increase as his knowledge along the front four does the same.

“I know almost all of the positions on the d-line now,” said Armstead. “I feel like by doing that I’m only increasing my ability as a player. I can play the end, or if they need me, I can move back to defensive tackle.”