Originally published Feb. 5, 2009 in the Omaha World-Herald
•Middleton says: "To be on a high school team and to play for a state championship, it's a fun thing, something not a lot of people get to do at my level. When I'm in a bowl game in college down the road, the experience will pay off."
•Did you know? Middleton's school, Long Beach Poly, is a football powerhouse, finishing among the top 25 nationally eight times since 1997. Poly's long list of NFL alumni includes Mark Carrier, Willie McGinest, Sammie Parker and DeSean Jackson.
•The gurus say: Rivals.com ranks Middleton No. 52 among cornerbacks nationally and 78th overall as a prospect in California. Scout.com places him No. 62 as a corner.
•About Middleton: He committed to the Huskers, sight unseen, in December two weeks before Poly lost a landmark contest to Sacramento Grant in California's first Open Division bowl game. The defeat capped a 14-1 season, Middleton's first as a starter after he missed much of his junior year with injury. Middleton made his first visit to Lincoln in January and came away impressed after meeting Athletic Director Tom Osborne and spending time with Californians Rickey Thenarse and Menelik Holt.
• Our take: He looks like a raw prospect, but one worth taking a chance on. Middleton is a top student with a good mind for the game. He could play anywhere in the secondary or perhaps grow into a linebacker. All signs indicate his best days are ahead of him.