Aiyuk highlighted his top five receivers and appeared on Arik Armstead’s podcast.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers has had an outstanding 2023 campaign. The ability has always existed. The player themself may not always be aware of their own talent.
Recently, Aiyuk was featured on the “Third and Long” podcast with Arik Armstead. Armstead referred to Aiyuk as a league star. Sacramento is the home of Armstead. Aiyuk attended Sierra Junior College, a 20–25-minute drive from Sacramento in Rocklin, California.
The two talked about Aiyuk’s background and how the University of Alabama recruited him. Aiyuk stated that the Crimson Tide wanted him to play defensive back fifteen minutes after he completed the paperwork to pledge to the Sun Devils.
Armstead related a comparable tale regarding Alabama’s desire for him to be an offensive lineman. After playing both ways in high school, Arik had no desire to move to the south of California to play football. They related a tale about how Aiyuk defeated Deommodore Lenoir for a touchdown during Oregon’s game against Arizona State, Armstead’s alma mater.
You’ll discover the following interesting tidbit from the podcast: Armstead is a massive 6’7″, but Aiyuk, who is 6’0″, has longer arms.
Aiyuk continued by discussing his philosophy when the ball is in his hands, who he thinks are the best receivers in the NFL, and the moment he started to feel more confident. Here’s Aiyuk’s answer about gaining confidence during his NFL career:
“Realistically, probably the end of last year. Fully, affirmatively, probably this last training camp. It’s different. You come into the league thinking that you can make plays here and there. Everybody knows when it’s for real. Not spurts here or spurts there. Probably training camp this year and headed into this season. After the end of last year, going for 1,000, and feeling like I had way more. Like there was so much more that I could get better at. That gave me a whole bunch of confidence,” Armstead said that Aiyuk and he had a crucial discussion following OTAs regarding the necessity of taking care of yourself during the time off between OTAs and training camp. Aiyuk described what he did during that period, which
Aiyuk claimed to have assembled a group of individuals who assisted him in the off-season; he mentioned four or five individuals, most likely speed/athletic trainers. According to Armstead, Aiyuk had changed significantly before training camp began.
It was interesting to hear Aiyuk say, “If you ask me, I feel like for sure I’m one of them,” in reference to the top wideouts. He deserves the praise he’s receiving because he’s been that terrific this season. Armstead is in the identical vessel.
After stating that he is among the top five receivers but that he wanted to create a list without him, Aiyuk listed his top five receivers. He altered it to “I’ll just name five guys I like” very soon. This is Aiyuk’s inventory:
Naturally, Davante Adams. Kupp Cooper. I’ve grown to enjoy this guy a lot more. He’s always available. [Stefon] Diggs. Diggs is appealing to me. That group of three men. My category for spicier stuff is that. Taking action. Then there is Ja’Marr Chase, the partner of Deebo Samuel. those individuals who, after they’ve had it, become busy. Higgins Tee. I’m aware that I’m probably forgetting some. However, those are the guys that first spring to mind. Jefferson Justin.
It’s entertaining to hear the discussion. To listen to the full interview, click the aforementioned link.
