Elk Grove Native Projected To Be A Top Pick In NFL Draft
ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Quarterbacks beware, Arik Armstead is coming.
Arik caught the eye of national recruiters as a teenager when he played both sides of the ball at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove.
Looking like a full grown man among small children, he dominated.
His legendary young career took off at University of Oregon.
"I'd rather hit somebody than be hit," Arik said.
And now Arik is expected to be a big hit this Thursday during the NFL Draft in Chicago. He's projected to be a first round pick.
"I got invited to it but I decided to be here," Arik said.
Why not go to the bright lights of Chicago to hear your name called and shake the commissioner's hand?
"[I] want to be around people who love me and want to be around people who've supported me throughout my career," Arik said.
Arik's dad Gus Armstead is not surprised by his son's success.
"He was always a goal-oriented kid, like to right down his goals and try to achieve his goals," Gus said.
So on draft day, where does Arik want to land? Who's his favorite team? The 49ers or Raiders?
"I never had a favorite team growing up. I just enjoyed watching players. Throughout this whole process I believe a lot of teams have been intrigued with me and liked me, so I really don't where I'm going to end up," Arik said.
Arik is not the only local athlete getting geared up for the draft. Grant High School, and University of Washington standout, Shaq Thompson is expected to be picked as well.
