Fast rising DB closing in on another offer

One of the fastest rising prospects on the west coast is cornerback Lazarri Middleton (6-1, 190, 4.48) from Long Beach (Calif.) Poly. He has been one of the defensive catalysts for an undefeated Poly team and he played a key role in Poly's first round victory over a very tough La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat team.

With the game still in doubt Middleton made an outstanding play that changed the momentum of the game. On a key third down play, a Bishop Amat receiver caught a hitch and Middleton was on the spot making an outstanding tackle that held him up and a Poly linebacker cleaned up on the play stripping the receiver and the linebacker returned the deep into Amat territory.

Poly ended up winning the tough fought battle 21-17.

Since Rivals.com first introduced you to Middleton earlier in the month, he has become even hotter on the recruiting trail.

"Cal, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and New Mexico have called in the last week," Middleton said. "And I have set an official visit to SMU for December 5th."

The word is Nebraska has sent out a written offer to Middleton so he should get Big Red's stamp of approval in the mail, maybe as early as today (Nov. 25th).

Don't be surprised if Middleton gets a lot more attention as the playoffs go deeper. There aren't that many players who bring what Middleton brings to the table.

Middleton has good size, and is a fast, rangy cornerback who is physical, aggressive and he's a lethal hitter. Those are qualities that spell success on the D-I level.

One of the reasons that Middleton entered into the season as a sleeper is, like many athletes who play at the talent factory that is known as Lone Beach Poly, he had to wait his turn and shared time on the field as a junior.

For his senior season, Middleton has recorded 42 tackles, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Middleton is also getting recruiting attention from Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech, Louisville, BYU, San Diego State, TCU, Utah State and UCLA.

Definitely one to watch the rest of the season.