Interview: Another Big Season Ahead for 2020 California ATH Kevin Armstead

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Featured Photo: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Some call it a gift, others call it talent, and yet another widely used term is pure-athlete – however one tries to sum up a player on the field getting after it in all that he does go ahead and add Class of 2020 running back/safety Kevin Armstead to the list. The super sophomore was pretty amazing on both sides of the ball in 2017 for St. Francis High School leading to big expectations for his junior season.

The Golden Knights were one of the premiere teams in California’s Division-III classification last season running to a record of 12-2 with a lot to do based on Armstead’s playing abilities. On offense, Armstead touched the rock 103 times covering 656 yards with 14 touchdowns splitting carries with senior Elijah Washington. Showing a growing all-purpose back nature, Washington also pulled in nine passes for 60 yards and returned 14 kicks for 390 yards. If that was not impressive enough, the 5-8, 175-pound, rising talent showed out on defense coming up with 36 tackles, five forced fumbles, broke up six passes, and swiped five passes with one pick-six.

Most underclassmen do not break the ranks of All-Anything with seniors getting first nods in their last go-around, but Armstead’s skills could not be passed over. Coaches voted Armstead first team All-Angelus League, first team All-Area, and first team All-CIF as a defensive back. The efforts on the gridiron is starting to attract collegiate recruiting attention with Colorado, UNLV, Hawaii, New Mexico State, and San Diego State, among others, taking special interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Armstead in the middle of his offseason workouts for an update on his progress with a look ahead to his summer camp circuit.

Interview

Kevin, you were an end zone magnet during your sophomore season out of the backfield. What were some of the things you were doing well allowing you to be so productive?

“I was playing my game, going out there trying to make plays. I was focused on helping my team win. I knew I had to step up for a bigger role in the game. One thing that allowed me to be so productive, we rotated our running backs. I was fresh when I was in the game. I used my speed and cuts to make plays, and we had a really good offensive line.”

What other areas of your game popped last season on offense?

“My blocking. I feel I really improved on that, especially going up against 6-3, 260-pound guys.”

With Elijah Washington graduating, are you set to be the featured back for the Knights in 2018?

“Yes. I’ll play running back and defensive back this year. I will get most of the reps at running back.”

How are you preparing for that role?

“I am staying in shape and working on my second gear. I will play a lot this season. I am preparing for the load this year. I am getting bigger preparing for the big hits. I know it will be a tough season this year, I am ready for a bigger role.”

You also shinned on defense swiping five passes with a pick-six, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“Honestly, I didn’t want to play defense last year, but I wanted to start so I played defense. I ended up making plays. My coaches told me I was an athlete, they knew I could help the team on defense. That helped me out there.”

Have you attended any camps or combines this offseason?

“I attended the U.S. All-American Combine in San Antonio in January.”

What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve posted this offseason?

“My best is a 4.5.”

Do you have any camps on the schedule for this summer?

“I am going to a San Jose State camp in June, an Arizona State camp on June 26, and a San Diego State camp as well.”

Which schools are already showing recruiting interest in you?

“Colorado is showing interest in me at running back. UNLV came by school about two weeks ago. New Mexico State talked to me on Friday. Hawaii and San Diego State are also showing interest… those are the main ones right now.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I want to visit Utah and San Diego State this summer.”

Outside of football, what are you doing in your downtime for fun?

“I usually go out with my friends. We go paintballing or chill at someone’s house. You are supposed to have fun in high school, I am trying to make the best of my time in high school. We play video games and go to movies.”

Do you have any big summer plans outside of working out and preparing for the 2018 season?

“I am planning on visiting my brother in Iowa; he goes to school at University of Iowa. I’ll go out there and visit him. I have not seen him in a long time.”

Kevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: LA Times; No. 21 Kevin Armstead stiff-arm (2017)