But when he arrived in Cambridge the following fall, Armstrong discovered that adjusting to college life was going to be more challenging than he had anticipated.

“It was really hard,” Armstrong says. “Not only are you getting used to a new football program where you go from the stud in high school to the low man on the totem pole, but I was also getting used to the culture and the academic environment. My head was spinning.”

After seeing limited action his first two seasons, Armstrong saw considerable playing time as part of a three-man rotation his junior year. He recorded 16 tackles and a sack in the memorable, undefeated Ivy championship run.

“Last year was a great year for us,” says Armstrong. “There were a lot of moments that you look back and say, ‘Wow, I’m a part of something great.’”

Motivated by the team’s success, Armstrong stayed in Cambridge for the summer after both his sophomore and junior years for intensive training. His once lean, 210-pound frame has now bulked up to a solid 265 pounds.

As Armstrong began to grow into of a force on the field, he also developed into a team leader. His gregarious personality combined with his outstanding work ethic and on-field production garnered the respect and admiration of both players and coaches.

“He leads first by example,” says senior defensive end Pat Lavin. “But when something needs to be said, he’s not afraid to say it. Players definitely look to him as a leader and a role model.”

Now in his final year, Armstrong’s efforts are paying dividends. He has been a standout on the defensive line, recording 31 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries in the Crimson’s first nine games.

But despite his improving play, Armstrong remains humble, thanking his coaches and teammates for their hard work.

“Mike, first of all, is a class act,” Murphy says. “He is one of the most respected kids on the team. He has a level of maturity about him. Even when he was a freshman, you almost had to look at him and ask, ‘Is this authentic?’”

If there was even a flicker of doubt about Armstrong back then, it has certainly been extinguished. Armstrong is for real.

You can ask the many teammates who enjoy playing with him, the coaches who commend his abilities or the many players that Armstrong has drilled into the turf during his career.

Clearly, this Californian now exudes Crimson. He has found himself a comfortable niche in the Ivy-draped brick buildings. So when he has to leave, Armstrong faces some tough decisions. Business school is definitely on the horizon, and he’s even thinking of starting his own business before then.

Judging by the determination and diligence that have characterized his past accomplishments, it is no stretch to conclude that this won’t be the last time you hear about Armstrong.

“He’s going to be a superstar when he leaves Harvard,” Murphy says. “He can do anything he wants to.”