2014 DT Middleton is busy taking visits

2014 defensive tackle Deshaywn Middleton still claims six offers. However, the 6-foot-2, 295-pounder out of Winston Salem (N.C.) Parkland has been very busy this fall visiting a handful of schools already with more visits coming up.

"So far I've gone to games at NC State, Wake Forest, Duke and East Carolina," he said. "The ones that really impressed me from those were NC State and Wake Forest.

"I went to NC State's game against Florida State this past weekend. That was a big win and the game was crazy. I really enjoyed myself. I liked the way the stadium was, the crowd was there an hour before the game and the intensity was great. Coach O'Brien took his team and beat the No. 3 team in the country that stood out, he's doing something with his program. Also, they were my first big offer.

"For Wake Forest, they beat Chapel Hill and that stood out. It's also so close to home, so I'd be close to my family and friends."

Now that he's hit most of the North Carolina schools, Middleton plans to head out-of-state for some unofficial visits.

"I'm trying to visit Georgia Tech in about two weeks and then I'm talking to my parents about going to the Clemson-South Carolina game."

Middleton is hearing from the likes of Mississippi State, Florida, Washington and Pittsburgh among others.

What are other schools saying that have yet to put an offer down?

"Duke says I have an offer, they are just waiting for me to take the SAT first," he said. "A lot of other schools are coming in and just looking at me right now. They all just want me to come for a visit and are still reviewing my tape."

According to the Carolina lineman, two schools stand out at this stage.

"Two stand out, NC State and Duke are the ones," he said. "It's just because of the way I have a relationship with the coaches and how often we talk. The academics at those schools are good and Duke has a medical program that goes a long way. I'm looking at towards life after football."

Parkland is off to a 0-8 start, but Middleton is performing well.

"I'd say I have about 45 tackles and three forced fumbles," he said. "I have seven or eight sacks. On offense, I have five or six pancakes.

"Basically, the big difference for me this year is that I'm a whole lot better at using my hands. They had me at the three and then moved me to the five on Friday and that has helped with my conditioning. I'm moving better and my quickness has improved."