The dead period may have arrived, but things are only heating up for Seffner (Fla.) Armwood five-star defensive end Byron Cowart.

With his season over following a loss in Saturday's 6A state championship to Miami Central, Cowart will turn his attention to recruiting. Auburn, Florida State and Florida are next on his visit schedule.

He had an opportunity to meet Florida's new head coach, Jim McElwain, last week.

"The conversation was great," Cowart said in an interview with Ryan Bass on Bright House Sports Network's "Recruiting Central" Tuesday. "He's a very enthusiastic guy and he's straight forward. I like that a lot. His thing is, he puts his playmakers in the best position to make plays. He feels like I can make an impact at the University of Florida."

As for Florida's former head coach, he's now at Auburn. Cowart said the Tigers have emerged as a candidate after the hire of Will Muschamp as their defensive coordinator.

"That was big," he said, "because I visited Auburn my junior year for the Iron Bowl last year, and it was great. I could see myself playing there and they have my major with the SEC Network wanting to do Journalism, so that was big. Even better, now they have Will Muschamp, so they'll be in the mix."

Florida State has recruited Cowart strongly as well. The Seminoles have the nation's No. 2-ranked class, and could be in the mix to land  Cowart to pair with recently-added Josh Sweat.

"It's crazy. A lot of talent," Cowart said of FSU's current class. "Defensively, and offensively with George (Campbell). Me being comfortable with those guys from Team Tampa, it's just great, and me working with Josh Sweat at The Opening. It's just crazy the talent they're getting."

Cowart was also asked if he had any favorites at this point and if he's still on track to announce Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-America game. Click on the link for more, including a breakdown from Josh Newberg and Corey Long.

BHSN's "Recruiting Central" airs Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. on Bright House Sports Networks in Tampa Bay and Central Florida.