February 14, 2013 at 11:14 AM

Anthony Midget was named Penn State's safeties coach Thursday.

Midget began his collegiate coaching career in 2007 and served as Georgia State's defensive coordinator last season. It was also announced in a press release that John Butler -- who was promoted to the Nittany Lions' defense coordinator in January -- will be in charge of the team's cornerbacks.

"It's an honor to be a part of the Penn State family and this great University," Midget said in a press release. "I am thankful to Coach [Bill] O'Brien for the opportunity to come to Penn State and am excited to get to know the players and get ready for spring practice."

A native of Clewiston, Fla., Midget played for four seasons at Virginia Tech and served as a graduate assistant at the school in 2007. Midget was a fifth-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2000 NFL Draft and also spent some time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before coaching high school football in Florida.

With the hiring of Midget, O'Brien's coaching staff is rounded out after the departure of former defensive coordinator Ted Roof.

"Anthony will be a great addition to our staff," O'Brien said in a statement. "He is an experienced and passionate defensive coach and recruiter. We welcome Anthony to our team and look forward to his contributions to the program."