Arik Armstead decommits from USC

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Arik Armstead, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle from Elk Grove, Calif., has rescinded his official commitment to USC.

Armstead, one of the nation's premier lineman and the top-ranked player in the West in the ESPNU 150, said he'll still consider the Trojans but is now wide open to other colleges.

"I was already taking visits but I wanted all the schools recruiting me to understand that I had a legitimate interest in them," Armstead said.

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Armstead wouldn't get into specifics of why he changed his mind, but he did say that "my family has been a little disappointed with some things going on at USC."

USC currently is on probation and banned from participating in bowls due to the Reggie Bush scandal. In addition, Armstead's older brother Armond, a fourth-year senior and two-year starter on the defensive line, was redshirted due to an undisclosed medical condition. Armstead did not cite those issues, though.

"This is mostly about me wanting to make sure I'm making the right decision for me from a football standpoint as well as basketball and academically," he said.

Armstead has other big name schools on his list.

"I have my visit to Notre Dame this weekend and I'm visiting Alabama (Nov. 4)," he said. "I'm also looking at Cal, Washington and Michigan for my last few visits, but I think after word gets out that I've de-committed, I think a few more schools will come calling as well and I'm definitely open to that."

Greg Biggins writes about college recruiting for ESPN.com.

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