Yeah, you're right. Everybody thought he would need 2 years just to see the field. Just look at all these statements downplaying expectations:
"The five-star prospect is ranked as the #5 overall recruit in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Additionally, he holds the title of the #1 player in Florida and the #2 defensive lineman in the nation ... Listed at 6-3, 250 pounds, Blount is a nightmare for offensive lines and quarterbacks alike."
"Gonna be the best defensive player nationally in 2025 regardless of position! Massive commit! Let’s keep it rolling!"
"This is a game changer mane top defensive player in the nation for 2025, and everyone is gonna want to play with him too"
"Program changing type player.
Miami landed a handful last year with Bain and Samson/Francis."
"Armondo Blount is a 5-Star prospect according to every recruiting service known to man ... 'He's a different level type of kid,' Blustein said. 'He's been the number one player in the class of 2025 for the last two years.' There's been some chatter about Blount potentially re-classifying from the class of 2025 into the 2024 class. Blustein assures me that Armondo is physically and mentally mature enough to do just that. 'No doubt,' Blustein said. 'He's been at the varsity level (at big programs) now for four years.'"
"'He's nothing short of a certified freak,' 247Sports national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna said. 'He has clocked a sub 4.8-second time in the 40-yard dash and had a 30-inch vertical jump. That would put him in elite company if he were currently listed on an NFL roster. Not too shabby for a 16-year old!'"