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.”
I don't know how I really feel about this move. I guess this is one of those situations where you just have to trust the coaches judgment. I thought Armond had the perfect size and skills to be a dominant DT; I'm not sure how that will translate over at SDE. I can see the logic in the move because I wouldn't feel comfortable with Everson (or a freshman) on the strongside. Armond brings discipline which is needed at his new spot because it requires a greater awareness of coverage responsibilities.
I guess this frees things up for Christian Tupou to make the switch to DT and Jurrell Casey/Hebron Fangupo (and Spicer to lesser extent) to compete for the starting NT spot. I'm also assuming Everson Griffen will play weakside with Armond and shift to strongside with Malik on the opposite end when the defense needs speed from the edges. That's my guess.
(Derek) Simmons, who arrived on the USC campus a highly rated defensive tackle, went through his first day at his old position, a spot which he clearly prefers.
“I’m back on the dark side,” joked Simmons following Thursday’s workout. “It feels good to be back right now.”
...When news surfaced this week that Armond Armstead would shift over to strong-side defensive end, the northern California native saw an opportunity open up for him to return “home.”
“It’s been on my mind for a while now,” said Simmons in reference to the change. “I talked to Jethro (Franklin) last week and asked him about it and what he thought about it. He said he’d run it by PC (Pete Carroll) and I guess they decided to let me come back over.
This change makes more sense. Derek should provide depth at DT.
