Interview: Do-Everything 2020 ATH Kevin Armstead Preparing to Do Even More in 2018

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Featured Photo: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Whether you are a coach on the offensive side of the ball or on the defensive side for St. Francis High School, it was tough to find fault with Class of 2020 athlete Kevin Armstead during the 2017 season. At running back, Armstead rushed for 656 yards off 103 carries with 14 scores going up on the board while pulling in nine passes for 60 yards. At free safety, the 5-8, 175-pound, athlete compiled a stat line of 36 tackles, forced five fumbles, and picked off five passes taking one back to the house. As is true in all great competitors, Armstead wants to be even more productive during his junior campaign.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising California athlete covering his offseason workouts, the Golden Knights upcoming season, and got the inside scoop on his recruiting process learning more about his first offer from Southern Miss.

*Click link for May 7, 2018, RNG interview with Kevin Armstead

Interview

Kevin, how did your summer workouts go?

“They went really well. We have a lot of new guys coming in and a lot of sophomores stepping up, as a team, we are starting to click. Last season we did not click until the middle of the season. I am seeing a lot of potential in our offensive line. They are young, but it is looking good.”

When did the Golden Knights start fall camp?

“We started today (Monday).”

What is the practice schedule like for you guys?

“We go 4-7 every day. Our coach does not believe in two-a-days.”

Lucky you guys (he laughs). Have you guys gone into full-pads yet?

“We go full-pads this Thursday. We start getting contact in then.”

Silly question, but are you excited to go full-pads?

“Yeah. I am really excited.”

I know you will be playing both ways this year, how did your game improve over the summer on defense?

“Working out. I was working on improving upon last year. I want to double my numbers from last year. My stamina is a big part of the upcoming season. I will start both ways, that is not easy. I want to put my team on my back and deliver on both sides of the ball.”

What about on offense, how did your game at running back get better?

“It has gotten a lot better. Working out with my running backs coach, he went to UCLA, he knows his stuff. He taught me how to read, plant my foot, and all the small stuff a running back needs to do to be successful. My route running is another thing we have worked on a lot. I have worked on a lot of the little things that will help me big time this season.”

Are there any new wrinkles to your game on offense we might see during the 2018 season?

“You might see even more of me in the run game. You’ll see me some in the slot. That will be a good thing for me.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to Boise State, Arizona State, and San Jose State camps.”

Of the three, which was your best camp performance?

“Boise State. I feel like I did really well. I produced in front of their coaches. They said that they will keep in touch with me over the season.”

Which schools are now showing recruiting interest in you?

“UCLA and Boise State, those are the main two. I am talking to the UCLA coaches, they have been DM-ing me on Twitter. Boise State as well.”

Since we spoke last, you received an offer from Southern Miss. What was it like for you to get that first Division-I scholarship offer?

“It was a big relief. Once you get that first one, the other schools will look to see what they are missing. I was excited. It was an emotional moment. Small backs do not always get offered… it was a blessing. Receiving the offer made me want to work even harder and have an even better season this year.”

Do you have any upcoming unofficial visits lined up?

“Yes. I am trying to go to Southern Miss for a game. The coaches would like for me to come out to see the campus and meet the players. It might be after the season or during, if during, it would be in October or November.”

Turning to the upcoming season. St. Francis opens with Mira Costa on Aug. 24, besides the opener, are there any other games on the schedule you are hyped to play this season?

“Yes. Westlake (Westlake Village). I think that will be a real good game for us. That will show us where we are at. They have a lot of really good players. Mayfair (Lakewood), I think they are Week 6. That will be a big game. Cathedral is always a big game. They lost a couple of guys, but they still have a lot of talented guys.”

What goals have you set for your junior season?

“My first goal is to have a good season for the team. I want to have a good season on both sides of the ball and put up numbers for my team to help us win games. When it comes to crunch time, I want my coach to be able to give me the ball so I can make plays. My goal for the season is to get us back to a championship again this year.”

Kevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of fall camp.

“Thank you.”

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