In my last column, I did not have enough room to talk about defensive end Greg Middleton. As most of us know, MIddleton was nowhere to be found last season. From what I heard and sometimes witnessed at practice, he frequently ran and had numerous disciplinary issues. He was definitely one of those players who wasn't giving it his all both on the field and in the classroom.
But, according to my conversation with Jammie Kirlew, Middleton has changed. Remember folks, two years ago MIddleton was a stud. He registered over 15 sacks in 2007, whereas last season he couldn't take down the quarterback a mere 5 times in 12 games. Note, he did not suit up for the first game in 2008 due to suspension. So, right off the bat, he was on Lynch's bad side.
Anyway, back to Kirlew's thoughts on Middleton. Jammie told me Middleton has brought a totally different attitutde to spring workouts. No more, is he talking back to coaches. No more, is he having to run from sideline to sideline unless he wants to on his own. Kirlew said he is winning the coaches over again and it will be his job as a senior to keep MIddleton in check throughout 2009.
Like I mentioned in my latest column, 2009's schedule is tougher than 2008's. Having Middleton will only help IU compete against teams like Michigan, Ohio State and Virginia. As much as the offense didn't do it's job in the second half of games last season, the defense allowed many points in the latter 30 minutes. Don't forget, IU, as surprising as this sounds, was in every game going into halftime except for Illinois. To my knowledge, the Iowa game was just a nine point gap at half.
Bottom line- IU needs Middleton, the old Greg Middleton. The Greg Middleton who excelled in 2007. Forget 2008, Greg. If this team has any shot upsetting some powers this year, you, yes you Greg, will be a factor.
