Interview: 4-Star 2022 OL Julian Armella has College Attention with 21 Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Julian Armella is a four-star recruit now, but if the scale went beyond five-stars there is not telling where he would end up. The St. Thomas Aquinas standout was so impressive as a freshman he not only made the roster but started seven games. Now the 6-6, 305-pound, lineman is that versatile talent going against 7A Florida competition able to play left and right tackle as well as left and right guard. His ability to go against any type of defender as aided in the Raiders 7-0 season thus far building to a No. 12 national ranking (MaxPreps). The other thing Armella has done, is cause a recruiting frenzy amongst college coaches. Next level scouts are so enamored with his play that 21 offers have been dropped.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got time in with one of Florida’s best in the 2022 class covering his season and impressive recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Julian, you may not know it any other way, but for the readers, explain what it is like playing for a powerhouse like St. Thomas Aquinas.
“Basically, playing for a powerhouse like St. Thomas Aquinas you are held at a different standard. Everything has to be on point. You cannot give other teams opportunities to beat you. Powerhouse teams are known for beating big teams, you have to keep your foot on their throat whenever you can.”
The team has been impressive this season running the record to 7-0 with a No. 12 national ranking. You guys are good, obviously, but from an inside perspective, how is the team looking?
“As a team, last year our offensive line coach preached to us that we have to make a fist as a unit and be a brotherhood; deep into the season, we are that fist now. Our offense and defense is making that fist that will wipe out everybody.”
You’ve had a tremendous season showing your versatility in the trenches playing left and right tackle along with right guard. How has the rotation into different positions worked for you this season?
“This season it is more of a learning point for me. I know I can play offensive tackle, but my coaches want me to be more versatile. Playing different positions will help me in college. At a powerhouse school, you produce where the coaches put you or you watch from the sidelines. Thank God I have been producing for my team wherever they put me.”
As your talents grow and improve, you will face challenges on the field that will help you get better. What is at least one challenge you have faced this season that has made you a better player in the long run?
“One challenge this season has been moving around from left to right tackle, right tackle to left guard, and then to right guard. It is different pulling from one side to the other, and the footwork as a guard to a tackle is different. I am learning all the positions’ techniques and I am going against different types of defensive linemen and their bull rushes. All of that has been a challenge for me this season.”
The power you play with is great, but one thing, okay two things, I really liked are your use of leverage and your patience with your blocking. What are some of the other areas of your blocking that you feel are strengths?
“My footwork is one of my strengths. My coaches have prepared me enough where I can step up to the line against ends that run like corners, the skinny dudes that want to run around you, I can go against those players and have success. I have gone against (2020) Derek Wingo (St. Thomas Aquinas), he’s a 4-star outside linebacker/hybrid pass rusher who wants to go around the edge. I have gone against him enough to prepare for that in games. My feet, hands and punch are good enough to go against any defensive lineman.”
As mentioned, given the talent you line up against in practice and in games, how have you seen your skills grow this season?
“The areas where I am seeing improvement are going against my defensive linemen, who are incredibly talented. I have to stay low. Our nose guard is under 6-foot; all he does is bull rush, use his speed, and he gets low. I know I have to get low going against him and guys like that. Another strength I have learned is not getting beat across your face. I have learned that, not giving up the inside. I play with leverage, as you mentioned, that is effective on the inside.”
Do you guys track pancakes and/or knockdowns?
“We don’t have a sheet for that, but we have a grade sheet that scores us on technique, positives and negatives with our blocking, good plays, effort and finish. We call it POP, play out of pocket, the kill shot from the tackle; I have at least 10 of those this season. Pancake wise, I don’t really know. I know it is a high number.”
Going with your physical strengths, do you remember any of your numbers from your last max out session?
“We don’t bench a lot. But on front squat I got 330 pounds. I like working on my legs for my lower body drive when blocking.”
So far this season, which has been your best game?
“One of my best was in our last game against Deerfield Beach (won 28-7). They are a formidable opponent; they are a good team. I was playing guard against their five-man front. I had defensive tackles and ends coming down I was going against. I was playing with good technique and leverage against them. I dominated. That was a very good game for me.”
Nice. A turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Clemson is showing interest. I talked to Coach (Brent) Venables (DC) on the phone. He let me know they don’t offer underclassmen (sophomores). He said I play with the dog in me and the only thing keeping me from the offer is being a sophomore. I will go up there this spring on a visit. I am hoping to get the offer then.”
How many offers do you have now?
“21.”
Armella’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kansas, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Southern Miss, Syracuse, and Vanderbilt
Have you visited any programs over the last few months?
“Yes. I went to Florida and Miami.”
How did the Florida trip go?
“I went for their game against Auburn a couple of weeks ago. They have shown the most love. I was talking to Coach Dan Mullen (head coach), he was introducing me to others like I was his son. Other coaches on visits show a little love, but he showed a lot of love. The offensive line coach at Tennessee, Coach (Will) Friend, he showed me great love as well. He personally showed me around when I was there. Florida has probably been the best unofficial so far.”
And Miami, how did that go?
“It went really well. I was there for the Paradise Camp. My mom wants me to stay home to watch me play in college; she liked it. I took pics, met the coaches and players when I was there. Miami has a good environment. Everyone was respectful there. It was a good environment.”
Any other trips planned?
“I want to go to Alabama and LSU sometime after the season.”
Another turn, how is everything going in the classroom?
“Great. I have a 3.0 cumulative and my GPA this quarter is a 3.25.”
Last question. The team takes on Fort Lauderdale (5-2) on Friday. What kind of in-game matchup are you looking at against the Flying L’s defensive front?
“We are taking them as a good team, and they truly are. We don’t look at it as we beat them last year. Our head coach does a great job of not letting us get big-headed. You have to respect your opponent or you can lose. Up front they have a strong base that will challenge us. It will be a good game overall.”
Julian, it was great spending time with you today. I wish for the best for you and the Raiders until we speak again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Julian Armella