SOUTHEAST FOOTBALL Middleton signs with Sacramento of UFL

Former Southeast Missouri State center Sean Middleton signed with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League on Wednesday.

Middleton was named to both the Associated Press and Phil Steele All-America teams last season while winning the Football Championship Subdivision Rimington Award that goes to the nation's top center.

Middleton, a native of Los Angeles, was a major part of a Southeast offense that led the nation in fewest sacks allowed (0.50 per game) and ranked third in rushing (265.1 yards per game). He started 33 games in his Southeast career.

The UFL, which began play in 2009, is considered the second-highest level of football in the United States, behind the NFL. The league features numerous players who have been in the NFL.

The UFL schedule begins Aug. 13.

-- Southeast Missourian