Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: A potential impact transfer, Nick Armesto will press for a starting berth in a Cougar secondary that returns just 1 starter from last year ... An extremely fast player who returns to the gridiron after a 1-year layoff from the game.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played 2 seasons in the secondary for state power El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. ... Was a member of the Warriors' 2005 national bowl championship and 2006 state championship teams that were a combined 23-3 during Armesto's 2 seasons ... Appeared in 6 games as a 2006 sophomore, collecting 9 tackles in the process, before an injury eneded his season ... As a 2005 freshman given the team's Freshman Warrior Award as a free safety after tallying 21 tackles, 4 pass deflections and 2 interceptions.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity football for head coach Mike Walsh at San Pedro (Calif.) High ... Doubled as a wide receiver and free safety ... As a 2004 senior named Marine League defensive MVP after garnering first-team all-league recognition ... Also collected all-city first team honors ... As a 2003 junior earned all-league honorable mention as a defensive back.

PERSONAL: Born July 21, 1987, in San Pedo, Calif. ... Parents are Ron (longshoreman) and Sylvia (teacher's assistant) Armesto ... Is the youngest of 4 children with a brother (Joe) and 2 sisters (Jina, Angela) ... Majoring in psychology and would like to be a child therapist.