Former NFL head coach turned ESPN analyst Herm Edwards had the opportunity to coach Byron Cowart last week during preparation for the Under Armour All-America game. Needless to say, he came away impressed.

"He's a special young man," Edwards, the former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs head coach, said on this week's edition of BHSN's 'Recruiting Central'. "I've been fortunate enough to coach in this game for four years now. He's right up there with some of the kids I've coached before."

Cowart, a five-star defensive end from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood, was ranked as the top defensive player in the nation at one point in the 247Sports Composite rankings, but has since dropped off. He took that personally, challenging himself to prove his doubters wrong at the UA game. He did just that, capping off his high school career as the game's MVP.

Edwards had some high praise afterwards.

"Defensively, he's a game changer," Edwards said, "but he goes about his business. He's a leader and he was our team captain. You could tell by the first day when you've got select captains, I'm going that guy right there is going to be a captain."

So, coach, what system best fits the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder?

"I think 3-4, because he's just a little bit of tweener," Edwards said. "He's not a defensive end. I don't know how much bigger he's going to get. He'd be a great fit for a linebacker because he can play in space, but his best attribute is putting his hand in the ground and rushing the quarterback."

Cowart has trimmed his list down to Florida, Auburn and Florida State. He'll announce on National Signing Day.

Edwards believes Cowart's going to be a game changer for one of those three programs.

"He plays when the moment is big, and he gets it," he said. "He's a hard-working guy and he has a fantastic motor. He won't live off his talent. He's going to work at it. Whoever gets this guy, I'll tell you what, look out."