Middleton excited about chances in Tampa

Arizona Daily Wildcat Former UA tackle Frank Middleton dives on an offensive fumble against ASU last season. Middleton was taken in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend.

Drafted Saturday in the third round (63rd overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL draft, Middleton must say his good-byes and thank-yous today, because starting at 7 a.m. sharp tomorrow, he's a professional football player.

"The excitement I feel right now is unexplainable," said the 6-foot, 5 inch, 340 pound offensive tackle. "I don't think I have ever been happier to get up before 7."

Middleton started last season at tackle, but played eight games at guard his junior year after transferring to the Arizona from Fort Scott Junior College in Kansas.

Buccaneer head coach Tony Dungy said on ESPNET's draft chat that "Frank Middleton is a real athletic guard who will help fill in a need on the offensive line for us."

Middleton, who was the ninth offensive lineman chosen overall, is recognizable at UA for his emotional-style of play and as a verbal leader who was known to throw the occasional expletives at the opponent.

"I am definitely going to miss the Arizona State rivalry," he said. "Although I don't think the team will miss my mouth."

Middleton joins a youth-filled Buccaneers squad, that started nine rookies last season and finished 5-2 after starting the year 1-8.

Although the franchise signed veteran tackle Paul Gruber yesterday, the offensive line is thin. Middleton, Ian Beckles, Jim Pyne and Jorge Diaz will compete for the two guard positions. Tampa Bay drafted Wisconsin tackle Jerry Wunsch as well.

"Hopefully they are looking to start about four more rookies," Middleton said. "Talking with them it's up for grabs with who starts."

"We've lost potentially our two starting guards from last year," said Tampa Bay's personnel director Jerry Angelo on the draft chat. "We are looking at free agency at a few and with our draft."

In another section of the transcript, Angelo said, "We place a premium on character with our premium picks. What do you consider premium picks? It would be the first three rounds, because those are the players that you're saying you will make and build your team around."

For Middleton, the financial reward for playing at the highest level of the sport is a nice bonus. He wouldn't release the exact numbers of his contract.

"Lets just say I can afford enough Whoppers and Big Macs to fill myself," he said.

As for going against the likes of Reggie White, Bruce Smith and Dana Stubblefield, Middleton feels pretty confident.

"I have gone against Tedy (Bruschi) for years," he said. "I'm ready."

Middleton said he plans on keeping up with the Wildcats this season, although it might be via television.

"I'm definitely going to place a few bets on those boys," he said. "I see great things coming."

Former UA players Matt Peyton and Van Tuinei signed with NFL teams earlier this week. Peyton is under contract with the Arizona Cardinals as the team's punter and Tuinei, a defensive end, signed with the San Diego Chargers.