Sacramento native Arik Armstead is rocking with the Kings in the postseason
49ers DL Arik Armstead is a Sacramento Kings fan through and through, rocking with the Purple & Grey at his media availability Monday.
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In case you didn’t know, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead is a Sacramento Kings fan.
Speaking to the media Monday, the Pleasant Grove High School alum gave his thoughts on the playoff series between the Kings and Golden State Warriors. And while he has love for the Bay Area, his heart still belongs to the Kings and the 916.
“I’ve definitely been rocking with the Kings. Just want everyone to know that,” Armstead said with a big smirk Monday.
The defensive stopper also hinted at making it to a game in the near future, potentially Game 5 back in Sacramento on Wednesday. But, it all depends on his schedule with the offseason program.
Speaking of football, Armstead is excited as ever to get back onto the field, reporting no lingering injuries from the season at this time. He is also excited for the new additions to the team, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Surprised like the rest of us, Armstead sees the former Eagle as a perfect pairing in the trenches.
Arik Armstead provides offseason updates. https://t.co/EY2nfjhVae
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“He’s pretty unique. Super explosive, powerful guy, pretty dominant player,” Armstead said. “He’s one of the best defensive tackles in the league. So it’s going to be fun.”
The 29-year-old is also thrilled to have new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in the building.
Not knowing too much about him, Armstead spoke to childhood friend and current Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Shaq Thompson about his new DC, confirming what he already knew about him.
“When we hired him I heard great things about him. One of my best friends, Shaq Thompson, was with him in Carolina and [he] speaks very highly of him,” Armstead stated. “He’s a great leader. And he’s looking to come in and not change everything with what we’re doing but just add another level and take it up a notch. So I’m excited and excited to get to know him more.”
The Sacramento native is also expecting big leaps from fellow defensive linemen, including second-year prospect Drake Jackson.
Coming off an up-and-down rookie year, Jackson will look to establish himself as a starter on the defensive line this season. And with the losses San Francisco has endured, his production needs to step up, sooner rather than later.
“Drake is a great, talented player. He is definitely going to have a bigger role this year. We’ve had some key losses along the line and I’m excited [for] his opportunity this year. He’s been working extremely hard this offseason and put himself in the best position possible to be successful and I think he’s going to be a hell of a player for us,” Arik Armstead said.
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