Arik Armstrong is a highly regarded basketball and football talent in the 2012 class, and he is one of the few lucky two-sport stars to have division one offers for both sports. However, Armstrong is a bit different though; he is the top rated player by Scout as well as by 247 Sports while Rivals has Armstrong rated the 29th overall prospect. He also is a verbal commit to USC, but he may end up going to follow his first love to Reno, Nev., to play basketball:
"I've been playing basketball since I was 5 years old," Armstead added. "So yes, it was my first love. I've always been around college and NBA guys ever since I can remember." ... "Nevada was my first basketball offer, and like I said my Dad has a great relationship with Coach Carter," Armstead said. "They've been friends a long time. College basketball is something I've always wanted to play, so why not? That's one of the best matches I could imagine for me."
So, one of the best football recruits who is verbally committed to USC, but he may end up playing basketball at a mid-major basketball program. Well, to say Armstrong is just wanting to attend a mid-major basketball program just to play is inaccurate, ESPN has him ranked as the 33rd best power forward in the 2012 class.
It would make sense for USC basketball coach Kevin O'Neill to get involved to help lure Armstead to USC to play both basketball, and it would also make sense for Nevada's Chris Ault to try to get Armstead to put on some pads for the Wolfpack. If Nevada is able to land Armstrong to play football as well it would be the biggest recruit in school history.
It is still early in the recruiting period for the class of 2012 so things can change in a hurry, but this is going to be an interesting story to keep an eye on.
Here are football highlights of Armstead:
Here are some basketball highlights:
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