Middleton nabs two ACC offers
He often refers to himself as a "hometown guy" so it wasn't a surprise that Winston-Salem (N.C.) Parkland defensive tackle DeShaywn Middleton was thrilled to finally receive an offer from Wake Forest. But when fellow ACC school Clemson stepped up in the same week, Middleton was ecstatic.
"Clemson is a huge offer for me," Middleton said. "I went down there for the South Carolina game and I see why so many people talk about that rivalry. The fans down there are true to the team and to the players."
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Clemson defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks extended the offer to Middleton, furthering an already good bond between the two.
"Me and Coach Brooks have a good relationship," Middleton said. "We've been getting to know each other really well."
Prior to the Tigers jumping on board, Middleton was celebrating the offer from his hometown school.
"Wake Forest came in and talked with me and my coach and told me that my recruiting was about to get hectic and they want me to know that I have an offer and that they're very interested," Middleton said. "I was very happy. I'm a hometown guy and that means a lot. I was very excited."
The first BCS school to offer Middleton was N.C. State and he said they very much remain in the mix going forward.
"The new staff came in and they're great," Middleton said. "We have a better relationship than with the old staff. They see me every week or two and we talk at least twice a week."
He added that Vanderbilt, Duke and Georgia Tech are all in the mix and he's enjoying the uptick in his recruitment.
"It feels really great," he said. "My parents told me to stay humble because it can get hectic but I'm enjoying the type of attention I'm getting and I enjoy everyone knowing I'm making a name for myself … I'm honored to be in this situation."
For now, Middleton is keeping his options open, but said he'll be taking many visits over the next few weeks.
His tentative plans are to visit N.C. this weekend, Clemson on March 2 and Georgia Tech on March 9. He's also hoping to take trips to Vanderbilt and Duke in March.