Orange County Register

Armond Armstead is coming back at just the right time.

At 290 pounds, Armstead is capable of playing strong-side end or defensive tackle — and USC is banged up at both spots.

Defensive end Nick Perry, the Trojans’ sack leader, is battling a bruised knee that kept him out of practice Monday. Nose tackle Christian Tupou also has a sore knee, and defensive tackle Averell Spicer tweaked the ankle he sprained in training camp.

All could be available for Notre Dame — but it’s nice to have Armstead as a fallback option.

He became an instant hit, you’ll recall, after moving from DT to DE in spring, and his size gave USC’s defensive front a whole new look.

Armstead said the “Leo” DE spot is very similar to the “3-technique” DT position where he began his Trojans career.

Armstead didn’t have a screw in his left foot at that time, and it’s taking him some time to get used to that. Armstead said he felt awkward and rusty when he first started doing individual drills, and his foot doesn’t feel quite the same.

“It’s not pain. It’s just, when I plant on it, it just feels different,” Armstead said. “I can’t explain it really. When I try to turn with my left foot, I can’t really get that turn that I really want yet. But that will come in time, so I can’t really complain. Besides that, I felt pretty good.”

Armstead isn’t ready to play full time, but he’ll be a factor in USC’s defensive line rotation, which, when everyone is healthy, is as deep as any in the nation.

More from the USC blog:

• USC football: Mitch Mustain No. 2 — for now
• USC football: Beyond Jimmy Clausen
• USC football: RoJo returns, but he won’t return kicks
• USC football: Mustain takes second-team reps
• USC football: Joe McKnight alone atop TB depth chart
• USC football: The logic behind the new nickel
• USC football: Work ethic not an issue for this freshman
• USC football: The future at safety looks bright
• USC football: A most productive weekend
• USC football: The value and versatility of Garrett Green

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