Armstrong appreciates family’s support
Dorance Armstrong did a double-take out of pure surprise, breaking into a huge smile as he took in the jubilant family scene around him. The University of Kansas pass rusher, burgeoning NFL draft prospect and former North Shore standout thought he was going to attend a simple family photo shoot over the weekend. Instead, Armstrong was greeted with a huge surprise party that included the front lawn being decorated with his name and wishing him good luck at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Surrounded by family and friends, Armstrong heads off to what amounts to a massive job interview filled with plenty of pride and confidence.
“I had no idea this was happening,” Armstrong said. “Mom told me just family photos. It feels good. My family has always supported me. Seeing all these smiles made me feel good.”
An all-Big 12 selection who declared early for the draft following his junior season, Armstrong was an all-district defensive end and basketball standout at North Shore.
This is the latest big step in his athletic career. While Armstrong has excelled on and off the field, he didn’t do it alone.
“He loves family,” said Carol Watson, Armstrong’s mother. “He’s not a baby anymore. He’s a grown man. I’m very proud of him. I’m excited. He’s always been that kid to be humble. He’s never gotten a big head. He has remained humble and grounded.
“The NFL is getting a good pass rusher. I love to see him sack the quarterback. I’m nervous for him. Mama won’t be there behind the scenes, but this is the life expectation out there in the real world. He’ll have to interview. I think he’ll be good.”
As a sophomore for the Jayhawks, Armstrong was a firstteam all-Big 12 selection. He recorded 10 sacks, 20 for losses, 56 tackles and three forced fumbles.
Armstrong has been projected anywhere from the first round to the third round. He’s regarded as a rising draft prospect who’s expected to boost his stock at the combine because of his intangibles, character and athleticism.
As a junior for a 1-10 team, Armstrong battled gamely while operating in a different role that called on him to rush the passer less. He was a second-team allconference pick who stuffed the run and had 63 tackles, three forced fumbles, nine tackles for losses and 1½ sacks.
Armstrong will meet with several NFL teams this week. He arrives in Indianapolis on Thursday for testing, medical exams and interviews.
“The most important thing I want them to know is I’m a dual-threat player,” Armstrong said. “I can rush the passer or drop back. I get my lateral movement from basketball. I have that speed rush off the edge.
“Where I come from, all we know is how to fight and compete. I love that you’re able to hit somebody and not get in trouble for it.”
Armstrong is healthy and plans to conduct a full workout.
He hopes to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.5-second range and bench press 225 pounds as many as 25 times. He’s been training at The Gym at Frozen Ropes in Katy.
“I’m excited,” Armstrong said. “I’m ready to go. I just want to go wherever I can help the team win. You don’t know where you’re going to go. We’ll see who has the final say on draft day.”
Armstrong chose Kansas over Houston, Cal, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Michigan State, Northwestern, Purdue, and Memphis, among others.
At 6-4 and 254 pounds, Armstrong isn’t bulky. He has the broad frame to add more weight and is built like a basketball player with a lot of muscular definition and long arms.
He was a 4-3 defensive end in college, but he likely projects to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL.
“Dorance is the total package,” said Chris Johnson, Armstrong’s uncle. “This kid is fast, strong, long, real dedicated. He took his craft real serious. He’s real mildmannered, but he always made big plays. ”