For Floyd, coaches come knocking

George Washington's Sharrif Floyd, ranked as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country by one publication, has recently received visits from some high-profile college coaches.

On Thursday, Florida's Urban Meyer and two assistants were in Northeast Philadelphia and spent about three hours at the school. Later that day, Floyd, along with Washington coach Ron Cohen, had dinner at Chickie's & Pete's on the Boulevard with South Carolina boss Steve Spurrier and two assistants. In case you were wondering, Spurrier, per NCAA rules, did not foot the bill.

Last week, Ohio State's Jim Tressel and three assistants were in to see the 6-foot-3, 310-pounder, who this season helped lead George Washington to an 8-3 record and its third straight Public League championship.

"He's probably the most highly recruited Philadelphia kid ever," Cohen said.

Yesterday, Floyd, a two-way lineman projected to play defense in college, left for an official visit to North Carolina. His other official visits were to Ohio State, Florida and USC. He does not plan to take a fifth paid visit allowed by the NCAA.

At last Saturday's Aloha Prep Bowl in Hawaii, Floyd was selected as his team's captain and presented with a game ball.

On Jan. 9, the blue-chip recruit will compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. There, in front of a nationally televised audience, he plans to announce his college destination.