Three early favorites for 2014 DT

2014 defensive tackle Deshaywn Middleton out of Winston Salem (N.C.) Parkland already has five early offers. The 6-foot-2, 292-pounder discussed the latest as well as some early leaders.

"I have five offers from East Carolina, Old Dominion and then I added the Citadel, Elon and Appalachian State," he said.

Middleton noted that at least one more visit is coming this summer, to North Carolina on July 20th and that he is also trying to get out to Virginia when the time allows.

With quite a bit of interest to date, does Middleton have any leaders?

"Right now it's all kind of new to me, but the ones I really like so far are LSU, Virginia and North Carolina," he said. "Those are the ones I really like right now and they are taking an interest in me. I'm hoping to pull in offers from all three.

Middleton explained why each of these three schools are currently standing out.

"I like that LSU is a big name," he said. "I like what they have accomplished over the years. For Virginia, my defensive line coach just retired and their defensive line coach reminds me a lot of my retired coach. I feel a good connection with him; he keeps it real and honest. As for North Carolina, I check in with them every two weeks and they keep it real with me."