Arik Armstead talks Super Bowl revenge, Dion Jordan and college football uncertainty

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Defensive tackle Arik Armstead, the third-longest tenured 49er, describes this training camp as “different and weird” compared to his previous five.

That is mainly because of the COVID-19 safety measures that have engulfed the team’s Santa Clara facility. What’s also different is the 49ers’ elite expectations, unlike past camps.

Here are the top-five talking points shared Monday in a video call with reporters:

1. On the 49ers’ quest for Super Bowl revenge:

“We all have that bad experience ingrained in our brain and it’s motivating us and pushing us to get back there. We had such an amazing year last year and we want to get better. We’re all excited to get back to work, try to get back to the Super Bowl and win this time.”

2. On newly signed defensive end Dion Jordan, who was a heralded senior at Oregon in 2012 when Armstead was a freshman:

“It’s great. Dion was a guy I looked up to and have for a long time. In college, being a freshman and he was a senior and big man on campus. I always appreciated him for sticking up for me and not being one of those seniors who talk down to freshman and try to haze freshman. Dion was always my big homie. I loved playing with him in college and able to learn from him. He played at a high level and set a standard for us, to dream of achieving, which was playing well at Oregon and being a top draft pick. He paved the way for me and DeFo (DeForest Buckner).”

3. On the 49ers defense this season, where he will continue lining up at end in base defense and inside on passing downs after re-signing in March:

“I definitely work on getting off the ball better, rushing better at defensive end and combining with that continuing to rush well on the inside. … One thing we talked about is we were tops in a lot of categories except run defense (No. 17 ranking). We were middle of the pack. We’re definitely looking to get better in that aspect.”

Armstead said he’ll draw from his experience to help mentor top draft pick Javon Kinlaw. As for 2019 top pick Nick Bosa, Armstead added: “I think very highly of Nick and he can do anything he wants to. He’s extremely talented and works hard.  He will be more comfortable in Year 2 than Year 1 with everything moving at a fast pace, and I’m excited to see what he does.”

4. On becoming more outspoken on social issues, although he’s long advocated for equality and knelt during national anthem during the 2017 season:  

“As you grow as an adult and as a person, you learn more information, you learn how to better use your platform and what are your responsibilities. We all mature and grow. I’m at a place right now where I try to use my platform to educate people on issues that I feel are important and provide common, every-day, relatable examples for people who follow me.

“I take that as a responsibility. I’ll continue to do that. Any platform, big or small, we all have an opportunity to impact the people around us, whether it’s two people or hundreds of thousands. … This season we’re playing and all eyes are going to be on the NFL, it’s a prime opportunity for people to continue to use their voices for change and continue to preach positive messages.”

5. On college football’s uncertain season:

“It’s a tough situation. Obviously they’re not professionals, so it’s technically not a business, even though it is big business. There’s no union or anything like that, because it’s technically not professional sports. It’ll be interesting.

“I’ve been hearing the news, a little bit, if’ll they have a season or not. Collectively they’ll come together and make the best decision for themselves as players. It would be a good idea.”