William Middleton, CB

Not many corners are named team MVP, but Middleton was very deserving of that honor after an All-American senior season. A three-year starter for the Paladins, he saved his best for last: 95 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks, four interceptions and nine pass breakups. Some teams will downgrade him for his lack of height, but Middleton's strong build and speed should allow him to overcome that limitation at the next level.

Positives: Has a thicker build throughout his body than most corners. … Lines up outside and in the slot. … Strong enough to press and fast enough to run with any receiver down the sideline. … Stands up against receiver blocks, can either force the play inside or rip off to make the play. … Cognizant zone defender who read the quarterback and close on the ball. … Very good hands for the interception, adjusts to balls thrown behind him. … Likes to hit, but can also wrap or cut tackle in space. … Valued leader on and off the field.

Negatives: Might be a slot/outside corner "tweener." … Only adequate height and below-average length for his position, but thin and a bit stiff in the hips. … Good straight-line speed but lacks acceleration to recover if beaten. … Gets his hands on the receiver in press but does not knock him off the route. … Inconsistent in his tackling security, might struggle to bring down quicker receivers because of a lack of lateral movement. … Struggles to win jump-ball situations.

Took over the starting job at right cornerback and helped Furman to an 8-4 campaign that included a third straight playoff appearance and No. 12 national ranking in The Sports Network's final poll … compiled 38 tackles, including four for-loss, four pass breakups, and a pair of fumble recoveries … notched a season high seven tackles, including one for-loss, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery against The Citadel (23-17 win) … was Furman's primary kickoff return specialist, averaging 23.1 yards on 25 returns, good for fourth in the SoCon … tied a Furman record held by four others with a 100-yard return versus Wofford (35-21 win).

Registered playing time as both a backup cornerback and kickoff return specialist … averaged 22.0 yards on 32 returns … had a season high four tackles in a 48-31 win over Gardner-Webb … forced fumble came against Elon (45-6 win) … had a season best 67-yard kickoff return versus Chattanooga (56-35 win) … ranked fourth in the SoCon in kickoff return average.

Member of scout team … awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

Graduate of Marist (4A) High School in 2004 … Football coach was Alan Chadwick … Saw action at cornerback, wide receiver and return specialist … Totaled 148 tackles, 10 interceptions, six pass deflections, two kickoff returns for touchdowns and two blocked punts during his prep career … Also recorded a school record 103-yard interception return and averaged 27.0 yards on 21 kickoff returns … Earned first-team all-county and all-region honors in 2003 after helping his squad to a 14-1 record and state championship with 21-6 triumph over Statesboro in title contest … Two-time Marist defensive player of the year selection … Stole second and third base and then scored the go-ahead run on a bunt in 5-3 state title game victory in 2003.

Clocked a team best 4.28 40-yard dash in spring testing. … Full name is William Albert Middleton … Son of Karen and Albert Middleton … Born July 28, 1986, in New York, New York … Has three siblings: Kellie, Dana, and Wyatt … Father played basketball at Gannon University and sister Kellie played softball at Notre Dame … Bother Wyatt plays football at Navy … Biology major.