Armand Membou’s Key Strengths in the Trenches – Plus, a Look at Tennessee’s Bold QB Pursuit
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, offensive linemen often don’t receive the same spotlight as quarterbacks or skill position players. Yet, when it comes to Missouri’s Armand Membou, he’s managed to stand out—thanks to a potent blend of athleticism, intelligence, and physicality that makes him one of the most promising young linemen in the SEC.
Armand Membou, originally a three-star recruit out of Lee’s Summit North High School in Missouri, has emerged as a key figure on Missouri’s offensive line. Whether anchoring the right side at tackle or showing versatility along the interior, Membou possesses a rare combination of natural tools and refined technique that has caught the attention of analysts and coaches alike.
Elite Athleticism for His Size
One of Membou’s most impressive traits is his athletic ability, especially considering his size. Measuring around 6-foot-4 and weighing over 300 pounds, he moves with surprising quickness and agility. His footwork in pass protection is advanced for his age, allowing him to mirror even the most explosive edge rushers. His lateral mobility, coupled with fluid hips, helps him adjust mid-play and recover if initially beaten. That foot quickness gives him an advantage in both zone-blocking schemes and when pulling in the run game.
His athleticism also allows him to work up to the second level efficiently. Whether it’s sealing off linebackers or getting out in front on screens, Membou’s movement skills make him an asset for any offensive coordinator looking to execute a diverse run game or quick pass concepts.
Violent Hands and Punch Timing
In the trenches, it’s not enough to be big and fast—you have to be violent. Membou’s hand placement and punch timing separate him from many of his peers. He delivers a jarring initial punch that can immediately knock defenders off balance. More importantly, he understands how to reload and adjust his hands to maintain control throughout a play. This sort of refinement usually takes linemen years to develop, yet Membou displays it naturally.
He’s not just physical—he’s precise. He doesn’t waste movement, and that kind of economy and efficiency is a trait coaches crave. His ability to reset, anchor, and handle power rushers with balance reflects not just good coaching but an instinctive feel for the position.
Football Intelligence and Versatility
One of the quieter, yet vital, aspects of Membou’s game is his football IQ. Whether he’s diagnosing blitzes pre-snap or adjusting to stunts and twists, Membou showcases a deep understanding of defensive alignments. This makes him a reliable piece in high-pressure moments when communication and recognition are key.
Perhaps even more valuable is his positional flexibility. Membou has experience playing at tackle but also demonstrates the footwork and leverage to slide inside if needed. That type of versatility is crucial at both the college and pro levels. It gives his coaches options and increases his long-term value as a prospect.
Relentless Motor and Competitive Edge
Membou plays with a non-stop motor. Every snap is a battle he intends to win. He doesn’t quit on plays, often seen chasing defenders downfield or cleaning up in pileups. That effort speaks volumes about his mindset. Coaches often say you can’t teach effort—and Membou has it in spades.
He also brings a visible edge to his game. There’s a nastiness to how he finishes blocks and imposes his will on opponents. In SEC play, where physicality separates average from elite, Membou more than holds his own.
Professional Potential and Long-Term Outlook
All of these traits—size, athleticism, hand usage, football intelligence, motor—combine to paint a clear picture: Armand Membou has legitimate NFL potential. While he’s still developing, the foundation is already in place for him to be a dominant force at the collegiate level and a likely draft pick down the road.
He’s the type of player programs build their offensive identities around—reliable, consistent, and capable of setting the tone.
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Tennessee’s Quarterback Situation: The Josh Hoover Pursuit
While Missouri has a foundational piece in Membou, the Tennessee Volunteers are searching for stability—specifically under center. After a turbulent offseason that saw star quarterback Nico Iamaleava transfer to UCLA, Tennessee has been scrambling to fill the void.
Initially, things with Iamaleava began to fracture back in December. Reports indicated that the former five-star QB was exploring transfer options and made demands regarding offensive line improvements. Despite a promising spring, tensions rose again as contract negotiations reportedly stalled—with Iamaleava asking for a substantial NIL package reportedly reaching $4 million. The university decided to part ways, and he’s since joined the Bruins.
With their quarterback room suddenly thin, Tennessee has been aggressively targeting experienced signal callers. One name that surfaced recently is TCU’s Josh Hoover. According to reports, Tennessee made a significant financial offer—reportedly over $1 million more than Hoover is currently earning with the Horned Frogs.
Hoover, who threw for over 3,000 yards in 2024 and helped TCU stay competitive in the Big 12, is already believed to be on a seven-figure NIL deal. Tennessee’s pursuit underscores just how far programs will go in today’s market-driven college football world. With spring ball wrapped up and the transfer portal still buzzing, Tennessee is clearly willing to invest heavily in securing a proven quarterback to lead them into the fall.
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Conclusion
While Tennessee searches for stability at quarterback, programs like Missouri are quietly developing foundational talent like Armand Membou—players who might not draw headlines but are instrumental to winning football. Membou’s blend of technique, physicality, intelligence, and effort makes him one of the most complete young offensive linemen in the conference. As the NIL era continues to shift the sport’s dynamics, core traits like those Membou brings remain the bedrock of sustainable success.
