Most highly rated high school football prospects take all of their official visits, often vacillate among a handful of schools and are a consistent topic among Internet message boards and talk radio.

Not Alcoa's Rae Sykes.

His unique approach to his recruitment truly belies his stature among the best prospects in Tennessee and beyond. Sykes is the News Sentinel's second-best prospect in the state but hasn't taken an official visit until this weekend, when he'll travel to Tennessee's campus.

"I'm taking my official this weekend and I plan to take my official visit to Florida State next weekend," the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end said.

Recruiting just hasn't been Sykes' focus until now. Helping lead Alcoa to a third consecutive Class 2A state championship and a 13-2 record was far more important.

"I was focused more on my season and getting better mentally and physically," Sykes said.

UT stands toe-to-toe in the battle to land Sykes with Florida State. Sound familiar? The Vols faced off against the Seminoles last year for another Alcoa defensive end, Brandon Warren, who ended up at Florida State.

Warren may be Sykes' strongest draw to Tallahassee.

"He just tells me it's a beautiful place, and I need to come and visit before I make my decision," Sykes said of conversations with his former teammate.

Sykes said there's no leader for his services. He said leaving or staying close to home will not affect his decision.

On the field, UT would seem to have an advantage based off last season. The Vols were 9-4. Florida State finished 7-6 and overhauled its offensive coaching staff. Sykes, however, sees an opportunity for turnaround at FSU.

"They had a pretty good year with recruiting this year," he said. "They have (former LSU assistant) Jimbo Fisher as a new offensive coordinator and everything seems like its falling into place."

The Vols and Seminoles have benefited from the coaching shakeup at LSU. When LSU offensive line coach Stacy Searles left the bayou to take a like position at Georgia, the Tigers dropped off Sykes' recruiting map.

"He just texted me and told me he was going to Georgia," Sykes said of his last correspondence with Searles. "I asked why and he didn't respond. It left me in the dark. Unless they call, I'm just going to leave them out."

Sykes isn't upset about the slight, even though most thought Baton Rouge would be his eventual destination. Sykes said he's glad a team fell out. Now, there are just two schools to choose from and less pressure.

"I don't have any way to get in touch with LSU anymore since coach Searles left and went to Georgia," said Sykes, who visited LSU unofficially.

He said he'd still consider LSU if they called, but all thoughts are pointed to UT this weekend, thanks to his persistent recruiter, defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks.

"He seems like he knows what he's talking about," Sykes said. "I've watched Tennessee and his defense, and I just like everything about him."