SACRAMENTO - Arik Armstead's NFL dream will become a reality next week when the Elk Grove native hears his name called by league Commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL Draft in Chicago on April 30.
The 6 feet 7 inches, 292-pound defensive lineman, who played at Elk Grove's Pleasant Grove High School before becoming a star with the Oregon Ducks, has been projected as a first-round prospect. Some prognosticators even have Armstead being selected somewhere in the top 10 picks.
"I kind of figured if I worked hard and I did what I needed to do I would be here eventually," Armstead told News10's Sean Cunningham on Tuesday morning, following a workout at Sport Courts Fitness in Rancho Cordova.
With the NFL Combine, team visits and interview process with numerous coaches, scouts, organizations and media types, Armstead is ready to enjoy the final week before he heads to the draft in Chicago at Goodell's request. Receiving such an invitation is typically a sure-fire sign that he'll be selected by a team in the first round.
"I'm just excited to see where I end up now," Armstead said.
Toyota Sports Extra on Sunday, April 26 at 11:35 p.m. will have more on Armstead and the NFL Draft.
