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Armstrong seeing Orange
Cardinal Mooney senior picks Syracuse after coaching change
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
One of the things on Andrew Armstrong’s “to-do” list last summer was to attend Bowling Green State University’s football camp.
A week after that mid-June instructional session, so impressed was Falcons head coach Dino Babers of the Cardinal Mooney senior that he offered him a scholarship.
For Armstrong, who made a verbal commitment, it was his initial offer and first step to realizing his goal of playing college football for an FBS school.
Remaining committed to BGSU throughout the summer and fall, Armstrong’s play last season also drew the attention of other top FBS schools. Armstrong received offers from Wake Forest of the ACC, Vanderbilt of the SEC, Indiana University of the Big Ten, California of the PAC-12 and University of Cincinnati of the American Athletic Conference.
When Babers’ Falcons won the Mid-American Conference title and the coach bolted for Syracuse with most of his staff, it left Armstrong to question where he stood with the incoming coaching staff.
After de-committing in December, Armstrong didn’t wait long to find a new home as Babers swooped in and offered him an opportunity to join Syracuse. He is projected as a linebacker.
Armstrong, who sports a 3.65 cumulative grade point average and is interested in majoring in communications or sports management, will make his commitment to the Orange official on Wednesday when he signs his letter-of-intent in the Mooney library.
Armstrong said he’s “excited because it has always been my dream to play Division I football,” Armstrong said. “I just can’t wait to get started.
“I built a solid relationship with Coach Babers and his staff, especially with defensive coordinator Brian Ward over the past eight months, but they didn’t want to get involved with me until I made up my mind,” Armstrong said. “Only after I de-committed from BG did they offer me at Syracuse.”
Armstrong, who made a visit to Syracuse during a Jan. 16-17 recruiting weekend, gave Babers the thumbs-up on Jan. 19.
“[Former Syracuse running back] Floyd Little spoke to the recruits that weekend, telling us never to give up on ourselves,” Armstrong said. “He told us that he wasn’t the tallest or strongest, but he persevered and we should, too.
“He also added that when you stay positive and work hard, you will be successful.”
Armstrong credits Cardinal Mooney for developing him into a Division I player.
“Everything that I know about football is because of Cardinal Mooney,” Armstrong said. “They not only gave me an opportunity, but allowed me to develop.
“We played a challenging schedule, which I am sure college coaches look at when they are recruiting a player.”
Cardinals head coach P.J. Fecko said Armstrong has been a very special player.
“I have no doubt that ‘Army’ is going to be a success, not only at Syracuse but after college and in whatever endeavor he chooses,” Fecko said. “He’s been a great student-athlete and had a great career at Cardinal Mooney, but more importantly he’s a great person.
“He’s solid, grounded and comes from an outstanding family,” Fecko said. “He has a solid foundation.”
A first-team all-state and NEO Inland selection last season, Armstrong made 83 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions. On offense, he had 19 receptions for 448 yards and four scores from his tight end slot.
Chris Amill, the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator who also coaches the defensive backs, added that Armstrong is an influence both on and off the field.
“Andrew is a gifted athlete with a tremendous work ethic,” Amill said. “He’s a program changer, not just on the field but in the locker room as well.
“He didn’t start playing football until the eighth grade and back then, had a hard time just tackling,” Amill said. “Now, with all of his hard work and determination everything comes naturally, no matter what sport he plays.”
A member of the Cardinals’ basketball team, Armstrong will finish his scholastic career with 10 letters — three each in football and baseball, and four in basketball.