FSU's Bowden visits Sykes

Sykes never really grew up a football fan. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end from Alcoa High School has become one of the state’s top prospects, but the senior was never one to sit on the couch for hours watching it on television.

Perhaps that’s why an in home visit by legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden on Tuesday night was, well, just a visit.

"He was just trying to talk to me and tell me what the deal was," Sykes said. "It wasn’t nothing too big."

Bowden’s soft-sell approach was what one would expect from the coach with the smooth delivery, quick wit and southern drawl.

"It was good," Sykes said of the time spent with Bowden. "He sat down and talked to my parents and everything went well. He just told us a little bit about his self, how he takes care of his program and more about the football program he has at Tallahassee."

FSU also sent assistant coaches John Lilly (recruiting coordinator) and Jody Allen (defensive ends) to visit Sykes.

Sykes is suddenly a huge recruiting story. That’s quite a change after spending much of the previous six months incognito. Sykes said he’s not surprised by the increased exposure.

"I already expected it; my former teammates when through it last year," Sykes said, referring to tight end Brandon Warren who signed with Florida State and running back Dustin Lindsey who signed with Tennessee. "I knew how everything was going to go down."

For Sykes, the recruiting whirlwind has officially reached tornado status. He’ll take his first official visit, to Florida State, this weekend. Then, he’ll host UT coach Phillip Fulmer next week and take an official visit to UT on Feb. 2.

Sykes maintains there is no leader between the only two schools he’s considering: UT and FSU. At this point, he said his family has no preference either.

"They’re still saying it’s all up to me," Sykes said.

As with any FSU prospect, Bowden’s age was discussed during his visit with Sykes. Sykes said he’s not worried about the possibility that Bowden, 77, could be close to retirement.

"He said that he’s not going anywhere," Sykes said, "unless the Lord takes him away."

Sykes said he will announce his decision on National Signing Day on Feb. 7.