Kavario Middleton, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound, defensive end/tight end from Lakes High School in Lakewood (Wash.), finished his junior season with 16 receptions and six touchdowns. Defensively, he had 10 sacks. "Nobody has told me which position they want me for," he said. "They all say straight up that I can play both and that they just want me there."
Middleton can bench 285 pounds and has a 32-inch vertical jump. "I'm a great leader and play with a lot of passion," Middleton said. "I'm a playmaker on the field and have great instincts. I have a nose for the ball at all times, but I need to get stronger and improve my forty time (4.75). I also need to work on my blocking technique."
Although he denies a leader, Middleton favors Washington, Washington State, Oregon, USC and Arizona - and all five have offered as well as Idaho and Minnesota.
His first offer came from local favorite, Washington. The Huskies are only 45 minutes from his house and they were the first school to offer him in February. "I think distance will be a factor," Middleton admitted. "I'd prefer to stay somewhat close. Washington has a great atmosphere and is a great overall school.
"I want a school with a good sports program and where I'll be close to my family," he said. "I want to have them come to my games and support me."
Washington State is five hours from his house, but he's never visited the Cougars. "I don't really know much about them since I've never been there."
He's also never been to California, but plans to visit USC. "They have great tradition and history," Middleton said. "They've done it all. They are always a top team and know how to win.
"Right now I'm still really open," he said. "I don't know too much about any of these schools yet. It's hard to say what I like about each one because I haven't seen them all yet. I'd rather commit sooner than later, but I want to take as many official or unofficial visits as I can. I probably won't commit anywhere until I take a few visits."
In addition to football, Middleton is also being recruited for basketball and says he has an offer from Washington as well. "I'd love to play both, but I'm not sure. We'll see what happens," he said.
Middleton averages 19 points and nine rebounds per game and was the league MVP.
He reports a 2.5 core GPA and a 19 ACT and plans on taking the SAT as well.