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I know its not college but I've been watching some CFL games this year to check out Armond Armstead. I have been impressed wit Marcus Ball. He's safety size but I'm not sure if he's fast enough to play Strong Safety in the NFL.
Saw this article today...
http://www.thestar.com/sports/footb...mstead-are-among-cfl-s-top-first-year-players
Marcus Ball, Armond Armstead are among CFL’s top first-year players
Published on Wednesday October 24, 2012
Even in the early days of the Toronto Argonauts training camp, several young players stood out.
With just two games left in the regular season, linebacker Marcus Ball and defensive tackle Armond Armstead are among the CFL’s top rookies.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Chris Matthews still remains the odds-on favourite to come out of the East. He’s fifth among pass receivers with seven touchdowns, 1,105 yards on 72 receptions, and the first rookie receiver in Winnipeg history to gain more than 1,000 yards.
But Ball and Armstead have turned a lot of heads with their play, and both could earn all-star selections.
MARCUS BALL
With his dreadlocks hanging down from underneath his helmet, Ball is hard to miss. But the 6-foot-1, 218-pound Memphis grad also seems to be involved in almost every play with an aggressive nose for the ball and a trash talking personality to match.
“It gets me going, and communication also helps let me know what I’m doing as well as telling my teammates what I’m doing,” Ball, 25, said. “I’ve just tried to take advantage of every opportunity that has been given to me.”
Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said Ball still has a lot to learn about the Canadian game, but he’s had a terrific first season.
“He has great speed, and that allows him to cover up deficiencies because he’s able to run from sideline to sideline,” Milanovich said in assessing his prize first-year linebacker. “He’s got great instinct.”
Ball is Toronto’s second-leading tackler with 69 tackles, including six against Winnipeg in last week’s 44-32 loss. Ball also has one interception, which he ran back for a 27-yard touchdown against the Blue Bombers in Toronto’s 29-10 victory in Winnipeg earlier this season. He would have had two more had penalties not negated his picks.
Fearless and fast — qualities defensive coach Chris Jones loves — Ball also has three quarterback sacks. Except for missing a game because of an injury, Ball has started every game he’s played at linebacker, alongside veterans Brandon Isaac and Robert McCune.
ARMOND ARMSTEAD
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Armstead has rarely looked out of place, often dominating games with his size, speed and football IQ.
“He’s big, mobile, relentless and competitive. He’s the total package,” Milanovich said.
Argo fans might want to pay close attention to him as this season winds down. He’s expected to attract some NFL interest in the off season. Medical issues forced him to the sidelines in his final year at the University of Southern California, and no NFL team took a chance on drafting him.
But Armstead, 22, certainly has ended all doubts. Explosive when he comes off the line, he leads the Argos with five quarterback sacks after winning a starter’s role at camp. He also has 38 tackles.
“Getting sacks has to be a big part of your game as a defensive lineman if you want to be a complete player. It’s something I’ve been getting better at,” Armstead said. “My first goal was to make this team and prove that I could play in this league. Then I wanted to dominate the league and be an all-star. I’m so glad GM Jim Barker gave me the opportunity to play for Toronto.
“I’ve been pretty consistent throughout the year, trying to help my team win whatever way I can, whether it’s making tackles or sacks, or batting balls down, or taking on double teams. I feel I’ve been able to show I can do whatever they need me to do.”
DONTRELLE INMAN
Despite missing the past three games with a pulled hamstring, Dontrelle Inman, 23, remains one of the CFL’s top pass receivers and there’s a chance he could return for Saturday afternoon’s game in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Only Matthews has had a better season among rookie pass catchers. Had he not been injured, Inman might have had a 1,000-yard season and been challenging Matthews for top spot among first-year ball catchers. He’s caught 43 passes for 675 yards and four touchdowns.
In almost every game, Inman has handled a key catch that either kept a drive going or set up a score.
“I agree; he’s been a big-play guy for us. He’s very smart,” Milanovich said. “Even if we only threw to him once, it always seemed like it was a big play for us.
“He’s had some ups and downs, but that’s normal for a rookie; but his consistency as far as knowing what to do and when to do it has been great. He has the ability to make plays.”
PACINO HORNE
He played the first three games of the season but then didn’t dress, as defensive coach Chris Jones took a look at some other players in his man-to-man secondary. But Pacino Horne, 28, has been on a tear since reclaiming his spot for Game 7.
He’s now got four interceptions, third among CFL players, as he’s become one of the team’s most lethal ball hawks. He also has 30 tackles.
“He’s got great upside. He’s athletic. He’s got great ball skills and quick feet,” Milanovich said.
Horne made a big impression during the pre-season when he blocked a punt, recovered it and ran nine yards for a touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes, demonstrating he also had special team talent — something every CFL team needs.
Saw this article today...
http://www.thestar.com/sports/footb...mstead-are-among-cfl-s-top-first-year-players
Marcus Ball, Armond Armstead are among CFL’s top first-year players
Published on Wednesday October 24, 2012
Even in the early days of the Toronto Argonauts training camp, several young players stood out.
With just two games left in the regular season, linebacker Marcus Ball and defensive tackle Armond Armstead are among the CFL’s top rookies.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Chris Matthews still remains the odds-on favourite to come out of the East. He’s fifth among pass receivers with seven touchdowns, 1,105 yards on 72 receptions, and the first rookie receiver in Winnipeg history to gain more than 1,000 yards.
But Ball and Armstead have turned a lot of heads with their play, and both could earn all-star selections.
MARCUS BALL
With his dreadlocks hanging down from underneath his helmet, Ball is hard to miss. But the 6-foot-1, 218-pound Memphis grad also seems to be involved in almost every play with an aggressive nose for the ball and a trash talking personality to match.
“It gets me going, and communication also helps let me know what I’m doing as well as telling my teammates what I’m doing,” Ball, 25, said. “I’ve just tried to take advantage of every opportunity that has been given to me.”
Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said Ball still has a lot to learn about the Canadian game, but he’s had a terrific first season.
“He has great speed, and that allows him to cover up deficiencies because he’s able to run from sideline to sideline,” Milanovich said in assessing his prize first-year linebacker. “He’s got great instinct.”
Ball is Toronto’s second-leading tackler with 69 tackles, including six against Winnipeg in last week’s 44-32 loss. Ball also has one interception, which he ran back for a 27-yard touchdown against the Blue Bombers in Toronto’s 29-10 victory in Winnipeg earlier this season. He would have had two more had penalties not negated his picks.
Fearless and fast — qualities defensive coach Chris Jones loves — Ball also has three quarterback sacks. Except for missing a game because of an injury, Ball has started every game he’s played at linebacker, alongside veterans Brandon Isaac and Robert McCune.
ARMOND ARMSTEAD
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Armstead has rarely looked out of place, often dominating games with his size, speed and football IQ.
“He’s big, mobile, relentless and competitive. He’s the total package,” Milanovich said.
Argo fans might want to pay close attention to him as this season winds down. He’s expected to attract some NFL interest in the off season. Medical issues forced him to the sidelines in his final year at the University of Southern California, and no NFL team took a chance on drafting him.
But Armstead, 22, certainly has ended all doubts. Explosive when he comes off the line, he leads the Argos with five quarterback sacks after winning a starter’s role at camp. He also has 38 tackles.
“Getting sacks has to be a big part of your game as a defensive lineman if you want to be a complete player. It’s something I’ve been getting better at,” Armstead said. “My first goal was to make this team and prove that I could play in this league. Then I wanted to dominate the league and be an all-star. I’m so glad GM Jim Barker gave me the opportunity to play for Toronto.
“I’ve been pretty consistent throughout the year, trying to help my team win whatever way I can, whether it’s making tackles or sacks, or batting balls down, or taking on double teams. I feel I’ve been able to show I can do whatever they need me to do.”
DONTRELLE INMAN
Despite missing the past three games with a pulled hamstring, Dontrelle Inman, 23, remains one of the CFL’s top pass receivers and there’s a chance he could return for Saturday afternoon’s game in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Only Matthews has had a better season among rookie pass catchers. Had he not been injured, Inman might have had a 1,000-yard season and been challenging Matthews for top spot among first-year ball catchers. He’s caught 43 passes for 675 yards and four touchdowns.
In almost every game, Inman has handled a key catch that either kept a drive going or set up a score.
“I agree; he’s been a big-play guy for us. He’s very smart,” Milanovich said. “Even if we only threw to him once, it always seemed like it was a big play for us.
“He’s had some ups and downs, but that’s normal for a rookie; but his consistency as far as knowing what to do and when to do it has been great. He has the ability to make plays.”
PACINO HORNE
He played the first three games of the season but then didn’t dress, as defensive coach Chris Jones took a look at some other players in his man-to-man secondary. But Pacino Horne, 28, has been on a tear since reclaiming his spot for Game 7.
He’s now got four interceptions, third among CFL players, as he’s become one of the team’s most lethal ball hawks. He also has 30 tackles.
“He’s got great upside. He’s athletic. He’s got great ball skills and quick feet,” Milanovich said.
Horne made a big impression during the pre-season when he blocked a punt, recovered it and ran nine yards for a touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes, demonstrating he also had special team talent — something every CFL team needs.