Georgia tight end commits to USC

By PHIL KORNBLUT

Tight end Will Middleton (6-5 245) of Marietta, Ga., has committed to the Gamecocks.

Middleton called his USC recruiter Shane Beamer today and told him he had picked USC. Beamer and Ray Rychleski visited his school earlier this week and made him the official offer.

"It's SEC football, and I like the coaches, the facilities and the area,” Middleton said. “And my sister goes to school there. She's on the equestrian team."

Middleton attended USC's spring game.

Middleton had an offer from Rutgers and was drawing interest from Louisville, West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi State, Georgia, Indiana and Florida.

Last season Middleton caught 25 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns.

Middleton is USC’s third commitment for the Class of 2009. Columbia High DB Chris Payne and Pageland Central TE Justice Cunningham were the first two.