Kansas football: Dorance Armstrong perfect for America’s Team
By Stan Unruh
A dream came true Saturday for a former Kansas football standout. Dorance Armstrong is headed to Dallas to join the Cowboys.
The 2018 NFL draft started Thursday night. Nobody expected to hear Dorance Armstrong’s name on day one. Some Jayhawk were disappointed when the Chiefs ignored Armstrong in round 2. They selected Ole Miss defensive end Breeland Speaks instead.
A few more Kansas football fans expressed anger when the Jets took a Division 2 defensive lineman in round 3 Friday night. Certainly, Armstrong or other Big 12 players deserved more respect. The NFL draft is sometimes brutal.
Jayhawk faithful started Saturday with optimism. As Jayhawk coach David Beaty’s 2018 squad prepared for their Spring Showcase at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Dorance Armstrong knew it was time. As a matter of fact, after almost 40 hours since the draft’s first pick, the Dallas Cowboys made Armstrong the 116th selection.
The Texas native Armstrong returns to the Lone Star state to play for America’s Team. It is a dream come true for the Big 12’s 2017 preseason defensive player of the year candidate. This is the perfect landing spot for Armstrong.
Take a look at photos of #CowboysDraft pick, Dorance Armstrong. #NFLDraft
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 28, 2018
📸 https://t.co/5FteauykZ7 pic.twitter.com/WlnPD4PfRv
There was a mix of disappointment, enthusiasm and speculation when Armstrong announced in January he was turning pro. I thought he made a mistake. The less than spectacular 2017 season for Armstrong and the Jayhawks did not matter. He showed his value at the NFL combine.
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The Jayhawks will miss Armstrong this fall. The Cowboys are fortunate to get him. There are many Dallas fans who also follow America’s Team. They will now have a Jayhawk on the Cowboy roster.