DT Middleton eyes first spring visit

Winston Salem (N.C.) Parkland junior defensive tackle Deshaywn Middleton claims over a half dozen scholarships. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder plans to start getting out on visits starting this weekend, what's the latest?

"I really haven't planned much," he said. "I'm planning to go to NC State this weekend and meet the new coaches.

"Most schools are just getting done with bowl games, so I'm kind of waiting. I'll probably take more trips after Signing Day."

What is Middleton looking for at NC State and elsewhere?

"Basically, I'm looking for a good medical program," he said. "That's the type of field I want to go into, to be a pediatrician. I'm looking at that a lot. I'm also looking at the diversity, how diverse the campus is. I know coaches aren't always going to be there, but it's good to be able to have friendships and I just want some place I can fit in."

At this time, Middleton holds offers from Appalachian State, Citadel, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, NC State and Old Dominion.

However, more schools are looking at the lineman including UCLA, Clemson, Washington, Mississippi State, Louisville, USC and Connecticut.

"The ones that haven't offered me, they are all kind of waiting on the SAT scores," he said. "They told me they like my film and the way I play, but the majority want to get the SAT and then everything else will take care of itself from there."

So, does Middleton like anyone?

"Right now, its just Duke and NC State," he stated. "Duke has a great medical school and with the high name, you can get a good field in anything you study. Also, I like what the coaches are doing with the program. They are moving the program forward and taking charge of them. They hadn't been to a bowl game, but the bowl had an impact and I like the way they are getting them to play. I've also got some friendships with some of the players there.

"For NC State, I've talked to Coach Nielsen the new defensive line coach. I want to go there and see what it's like, I want to get a feel for them and see how they are. From talking to the coach though, everything coming at me is good and they haven't proven me wrong."

Middleton is coming off a showing in the Army All-American Combine. He gave his take.

"It went really well," he said. "I got a lot of reps in and they liked what they saw. My 40 time wasn't as good as it has been, but everything went alright."