Paden Armstrong is a senior defensive end for the Greer Yellow Jackets. Armstrong is a massive presence coming off the edge for Greer, standing at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds. He’s off to a solid first half of the season in 2025.
GreerNews.com caught up with Armstrong to talk about how Greer’s season has gone so far, as well as his favorite career moments and future aspirations.
GreerNews (GN): Paden, I’m sure you would agree that Greer hasn’t gotten off to the kind of start you’d imagined coming into the season. What are some of the keys to shifting that momentum?
Paden Armstrong (PA): We’ve just got to come out in region play and do our thing. If we all play as a team, all 11 men on the field playing together, we can come out and dominate our region and make a playoff run.
GN: What are some goals you have set for your senior year?
PA: I’d like to break my own personal sack record. I’d love to get 10 sacks this season. The most I’ve ever had was eight, and that was in my sophomore year.
GN: What is your favorite game or moment of your Greer career so far?
PA: I’d have to say last year against Byrnes, when we beat them for the first time in 23 years. Going out there and making history to end that streak felt really good. We went into that game knowing we had the ability to do it, and we did.Â
GN: Are you aiming to play football in college?
PA: Definitely. I’ve been talking to some schools like Anderson and Brevard College. I’d love to play college football.
GN: Who is a player at the highest level who you pattern your game after?Â
PA: I really like Jalen Carter on the Eagles. He’s mean, he’s fast, he’s aggressive, and he’s really good at getting off the ball quickly. I try to play like him.
GN: When did you first fall in love with the game of football?
PA: I first found love for football when I was six years old. My older cousin and I used to go out in our yard and play football, and that made me tell my dad that I wanted to sign up to play.
GN: Do you have a favorite place to get a meal after a game? It can be anywhere, even if it may not be open late?Â
PA: Honestly, if I could pick anywhere, I’d probably pick a steakhouse or something like that. I’m a big steak guy. I love Longhorn Steakhouse, so that would probably be my choice.
GN: Dream vacation spot?
PA: I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica and see the beaches down there.
GN: What song would you play to get the team hype before a game in the locker room?Â
PA: I don’t know about a specific song, but I would have to play something by NBA Youngboy. He gets everybody dialed in and ready to play.
GN: What will you miss the most about your time at Greer?
PA: I’ll miss the entire coaching staff. They’ve been there when I was down to lift me up. They help you with anything you need. If you’re struggling in school, they’ll find someone to help you get where you need to be. No matter what, they’re always there for you.
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