Cahokia High School football coach Antwyne Golliday is all smiles these days.
One of his own, Terron Armstead is making his path toward a career in the National Football League.
Golliday has received several inquires from several NFL teams about Armstead’s days at Cahokia High. The afternoon I spoke with coach, the Green Bay Packers had sent him some information that morning.
“I’m so proud of Terron,” Golliday said. “He has done an excellent job both competing on the field and in the classroom.”
I spoke with Terron after his stellar performance this past Saturday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL.
“It’s been a fun time the past few weeks. First in the East West Shriner game and the next weekend the Senior Bowl,” he said. “I’m just trying to play well, accept the excellent coaches and what I’ve learned during the process to get better and better.”
The three-time All-SWAC left tackle was coached at the University of Arkansas Pine–Bluff by former Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman. Out of high school, Armstead was recruited by several NCAA Division I schools. However, it was Coleman who only would allow Terron to participate in track and field and play football.
So, Armstead said no to the big boys and signed with Coleman and UAPB, which is also Golliday’s alma mater. Golliday is still considered one of the greatest lineman to play at Pine Bluff. Not only was Terron a dominating offensive lineman at UAPB, he was an eight-time SWAC champ in track and field while participating in the shot put.
During his senior year at Cahokia, Armstead capped off his senior year on a record-setting state championship track team with a toss of 62 feet 3 inches in the shot put.
When asked about the last two weeks. The humble 6’6” tackle stated that his visits to local Shriner hospitals and visiting the sick kids were the highlights of his two weeks.
“Sure, the games were important for me and my future, but visiting those kids was a great experience for me, and I’m sure they enjoyed us the players as well,” he said. “It was very humbling”.
I had the opportunity to coach Terron when I was an assistant coach on Golliday’s staff, and I’m not surprised one bit by the success this young man has had and will have on Sunday in the near future.
The Industrial Technology major – that’s right, IT! – will graduate this summer from UAPB.
“Yes, sir, coach, I’m going to finish school, no matter where I get drafted,” he said.
Terron is currently working on his game for the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine next month in Indianapolis.
His parents and family should be proud of his accomplishments at UAPB. The future looks bright for him regardless of his NFL future. Like many, I’m sure Terron wants to make it out and play in the NFL. I ask him what round he thinks he might go. The humble Armstead said, “I’m just blessed to be on this situation to possibly get drafted. I’ll just hope and pray for an opportunity.”
The 2012 SWAC Champion tackle just might get his wish!
Congrats, Terron Armstead!
